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Reducing radon exhalation from covered tailings: optimization or cost effectiveness?

A S Paschoa·J A Torrey·M E Wrenn
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Abstract

Reduction of radon exhalation from uranium tailings as a function of the number of radon diffusion lengths in cover materials is discussed, based on dimensionless mathematical functions. Cost effectiveness is examined to determine the least expensive cover with a preselected number of radon diffusion lengths (i.e., a preselected level of radiation protection), and to find the maximum attainable reduction in radon flux with a predetermined cost (i.e., a fixed amount of money). Cost effectiveness rather than optimization through cost benefit analysis can be used advantageously in these cases.

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Cost-Benefit AnalysisHumansModels, TheoreticalPhysical PhenomenaPhysicsRadiation MonitoringRadiation ProtectionRadonUraniumJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

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A S Paschoa, J A Torrey, M E Wrenn. 1985. Reducing radon exhalation from covered tailings: optimization or cost effectiveness?. https://doi.org/10.1016/0048-9697(85)90220-7

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