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Meta-analysis Study on Microenvironmental Characteristics of Radon Concentration in Korea

  • Lee, Cheol Min (Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seokyeong University) ;
  • Lee, Jung Sub (Environmental Health Research Division, Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Ministry of Environment) ;
  • Lee, Hye-Won (Institute of Risk Assessment, Seokyeong University)
  • Received : 2020.06.11
  • Accepted : 2020.06.20
  • Published : 2020.06.30

Abstract

Objective: The present study analyzed domestic and overseas academic journals to understand the research status and characteristics of radon concentration distribution in Korea in accordance with environmental conditions. Methods: As part of the meta-analysis, pooled average concentration was calculated using an inverse variance-weighted average of the arithmetic means and standard deviations among the investigated values. Using the obtained pooled average concentration, a Monte-Carlo simulation was performed to increase the reliability of the occurrence possibility of the calculated concentration distribution. A total of 38 research articles were selected, including 27 articles published in domestic academic journals and 11 articles published in foreign academic journals. Results: The comparison results showed differences in radon concentration distribution in accordance with regional and topographical characteristics. Conclusion: Currently, even though research into radon is steadily picking up the pace in Korea much remains to be done. Additional research is thus needed to establish a baseline for radon emissions in Korea.

Keywords

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