Radioactive isotope in Hanoi air is highest in winter

In one cubic meter of air, there are 2.89 mili Becquerel (mBq / m ³ ) of Pb210 lead radioisotope. The highest winter may reach 9.24 mBq / m ³ .

For the first time , the radioactive isotope (Pb210) - a radioactive index in the soil, flew into the air was used by young scientists at the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute Gamma rays for accurate measurement.

Information is published at the youth nuclear science and technology conference of the fifth atomic energy sector, held on October 3-4 in Hanoi.

Air measurement results in Hanoi from February 2017 to January 2018 were obtained on glass fiber filters showing that weekly radioactive lead concentrations range from 0.12 to 2.89 mili Becquerel / m ³ (mPq / in a cubic meter of air). This index is within the allowable limit. In the winter months the concentration of radioactive lead is usually higher than in summer. The highest month reaches 9.24mBq / m ³ .

Many indicators in the air in Hanoi exceed the allowable limits.(Photo: HH).

Duong Duc Thang, a member of the research team, said that this radioactive isotope is not as toxic as normal lead if people breathe from the air. Accurate measurement of parameters is important to study and calculate the level of sedimentation in lakes, rivers and seas, soil erosion.

Previous environmental regulators have not measured this index because conventional devices will not recognize and distinguish the detailed index but only measure the total amount of lead.

As for radiation, gamma rays can measure isotopes Pb210 (in the air there are many isotopes Pb204,205,206,207 .) including very low levels. Experts say that the method also opens up prospects for the environment industry when it is necessary to accurately measure heavy metals in the air.

MSc Duong Duc Thang introduced research results.(Photo: BN).

Dr. Nguyen Hao Quang, Deputy Director of Vietnam Atomic Energy Commission said, this is just one of many results of research on atomic energy application for economic development.

There have been many radioactive substances and isotopes produced by Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute, Vietnam Atomic Energy for medical and industrial purposes. Irradiated tree and child products that are resistant to disease without antibiotics are also created for agricultural and aquacultural development .