Radiation survey of Mammoth Caves National Park

Beckman RT. 1976. Radiation survey of Mammoth Caves National Park. Division of Health Technology, Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration. Mammoth Cave, KY

These are the results of a 1976 survey of Mammoth Cave National Park to detect the radon-daughter and thoron-daughter concentrations in the park caves, in the visitor center and in administrative buildings. Charts give the results of radiation sample data, radon-gas concentrations and equilibrium ratios, radiometric analyses of solid samples, water and air analyses. Recommendations are given for monitoring and safety of park personnel and visitors. Results showed the radon- and thoron-daughter levels to be quite high. Recommendations included 1) weekly radon-daughter sampling of all toured portions of the caves and initiate a record-keeping system to determine cumulative employee exposures; 2) determine acceptable tourist exposure; 3) ban smoking anywhere in cave; 4) discontinue cave air cooling of surface buildings; 5) educate underground personnel regarding the radiation hazard; and 6) initiate sputum cytology studies on all long-term employees.

Type
Published Report
Authors
Beckman, Robert
Date of Issue
1976-04
Publisher
Division of Health Technology, Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration
Units
MACA
Keywords
Atmospheric Sciences, Caves, Exposure (Hazardous), Facilities, Mammoth Cave Mammoth Cave National Park KY, Monitoring, Radon (Rn), Tour Routes

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