ABSTRACT

Radon activity concentrations measurements in some Jurassic caves of Poland are presented. The aim is to estimate the radiation doses to casual visitors, cavers and guides in show caves. Radon levels were measured using passive integrating monitors based on LR-115 detectors (for 2 months exposures) and Lucas cells (for grab sampling). Radon activity concentrations range between 10 and 2410 Bq m^–3 for long-term measurements and 50 and 10150 Bq m^–3 in grab sampling. The annual effective dose estimates range from 0.002 to 15.5 mSv. The results show that, in specific conditions, doses to cavers and guides may be higher than for miners in Polish underground hard-coal mines. However the highest value is lower than the recommended occupational limit for radiation exposure, i.e., 20 mSv.