A general survey of research on natural radioactivity in the atmosphere and the use of an anticoincidence Geiger-Muller counter for detection

Abstract

A general survey is made of the research in natural radioactivity present in the atmosphere, its collection, detection and analysis. A hypothesis is put forward to account for the abnormal activity ratios (greater than unity) of radon daughters present in the atmosphere. The method of aerosol filtration is used to collect the natural radioactive aerosols, and the use of a Philips anticoincidence combination (Geiger-Muller tubes) for low-level alpha and beta counting is investigated. The analysis showed the advantage of using the detector for alpha particles, but for beta particles absorption of beta particles in the filter, air and window of the detector would contribute to the uncertainty. The method of simultaneous equations for analysis was investigated and the problems in this area of research are discussed.