A geologically based indoor-radon potential map was developed using 71,930 short-term (median duration 4 days) home radon test results with 1:24,000-scale bedrock geologic map coverage of Kentucky.
This project was supported in part by UK-CARES through Grant P30 ES026529, the Kentucky Department for Public Health Radon Program, and the Kentucky Geological Survey (a state-supported research center at the University of Kentucky). The information was used to create an interactive map of indoor-radon potential statewide. The map is to be used as a public awareness tool in efforts to information the public about the potential for high radon levels, considering the type of bedrock on which the home is built. The goal is to encourage testing and mitigation. See the map at https://kgs.uky.edu/kygeode/geomap/ This map differs from traditional radon maps which are based on reported values from testing but lack any geological support information.
Findings indicate:
• Bedrock geologic units in Kentucky have lithologically controlled indoor-radon potential.
• Carbonate sedimentary rocks generally have higher indoor-radon potential than nonshale clastic sediments and sedimentary rocks.
Authors note that “Kentucky is the only U.S. state that has its bedrock geology completely mapped at a detailed scale of 1:24,000. However, other entities can integrate whatever geologic maps, regardless of scale, that are available with observed radon values and potentially improve understanding of radon risk potential.”
Note: See https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2020GH000263
Authors: William C. Haneberg,Amanda Wiggins,Douglas C. Curl,Stephen F. Greb,William M. Andrews Jr.,Kathy Rademacher,Mary Kay Rayens,Ellen J. Hahn
Data Availability Statement:
The digital geology coverage used in this paper is publicly available through the Kentucky Geological Survey website (http://kgs.uky.edu). The radon test result data set is not publicly available because of a confidentiality agreement with the radon testing labs but is available from the BREATHE program within the University of Kentucky College of Nursing (http://www.uky.edu/breathe) upon reasonable request.
United States