The sources and fate of 210Po in the urban air: A review (original) (raw)

The origin of 210 Po activity and its fluctuations in the air are discussed in this paper. In the case of atmospheric aerosol samples, a comparison of the 210 Po/ 210 Pb and 210 Bi/ 210 Pb activity ratios makes it possible not only to determine aerosol residence times but also to appraise the contribution of the unsupported 210 Po coming from other sources than 222 Rn decay, such as human industrial activities, especially coal combustion. A simple mathematical method makes it possible to observe the seasonal fluctuations of the anthropogenic excess of 210 Po in the urban air. The average doses of 210 Po intake with food (including drinking water) and inhalation of urban aerosols are usually lower than those from 210 Po intake by cigarette smokers and negligible in comparison to total natural radiation exposure.