The Bureau of Mines has used gross alpha and gross beta detectors to continuously measure radiation working levels for a number of years. During this time, improvements have been made in the design and performance of continuous working-level (CWL) detectors. This report discusses the improved designs and some of the operating principles and applications of CWL detectors in the measurement of radon daughter products in mines and dwellings.

This handbook focuses on residential radon exposure from a public health point of view and provides detailed recommendations on reducing health risks from radon and sound policy options for preventing and mitigating radon exposure. The material in the handbook reflects the epidemiological evidence that indoor radon exposure is responsible for a substantial number of lung cancers in the general population. Information is provided on the selection of devices to measure radon levels and on procedures for the reliable measurement of these levels. Discussed also are control options for radon in new dwellings, radon reduction in existing dwellings as well as assessment of the costs and benefits of different radon prevention and remedial actions. Also covered are radon risk communication strategies and organization of national radon programs.--Publisher's description.