RADIATION PROTECTION ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (2): 164-169.

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Investigation and research on radioactivity levels in non-uranium metal mines in Shanxi province

LIU Jiangong1,2, WU Yunyun3, ZHOU Zhaokuang2, WANG Song4, DENG Zhizhong4, CHEN Ling1   

  1. 1. China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413;
    2. Shanxi Xingxin Safety Production Technology Service Co., Ltd, Taiyuan 030032;
    3. National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control andPrevention, Beijing 100088;
    4. Shanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan 030021
  • Received:2025-05-12 Published:2026-04-22

Abstract: To assess radioactive levels in non-uranium metal mines in Shanxi Province and evaluate their potential occupational health implications, 9 metal mines were selected in this study. Cumulative radon concentrations were measured in both mine shafts andground-level workplaces using the CR-39 solid track detector system. Results indicated that radon concentrations in the underground air of 5 metal mines exceeded 1 000 Bq/m3.Variance analysis revealed statistically significant differences in radon concentrations between 3 of the mines and the remaining 6 mines (P<0.05). High radon concentrations in the underground air of three mines were observed at the ore crushing sites and locations exhibiting groundwater seepage and water inrush.The findings of this survey and measurement indicate elevated radon concentrations in certain non-uranium metal mines, warranting the implementation of targeted mitigation measures to reduce miners' risk of radon-induced lung cancer.

Key words: metal mines, radon concentrations, investigation of radioactive levels

CLC Number: 

  • X83