Radon in Underground Mines
MSHA regulates radon gas in mines and requires initial and periodic testing to ensure that radon gas and gamma radiation exposures to miners are not excessive. Our staff is experienced in performing evaluations for radon gas in working levels (WL) according to the MSHA regulation (41 CFR 50-204.36 – Radiation standards for mining). Per the regulation, we also measure and evaluate thoron and gamma (γ) radiation as part of our service.
Radon is a radioactive gas associated with uranium mining, but also with other metal nonmetal underground mines and tunneling operations. Radon is attached to fine dust particles in air that result from breaking uranium, thorium or radium-bearing rock with drilling, blasting and mucking operations. When dust-bearing radon progeny are inhaled and deposited in the lungs of miners, the radioactive particles can harm sensitive lung tissue and may cause lung cancer. Radon gas exposures can be excessive in ends of drifts with dead air that is not moving.
