Radon problems in mining and post-mining areas in Upper Silesia region, Poland

The most important determinant of whether there is a radon problem is the presence of uranium and radium in the bedrock and overburden. As the permeability of the ground controls the ease with which radon can be transported, any cavity that exists underground has the potential to accumulate elevated levels of radon. Buildings built upon the ground surface have the potential to draw in ground gas, which may have high concentrations of radon. This phenomenon is usually the result of an under pressure in buildings caused by the so-called chimney effect – hot air rising – and is generally a problem in cold and temperate climates. Whether ground gas with high concentrations of radon accumulates in buildings depends on their construction and the way in which buildings are occupied. Poland has large reserves of coal and a long mining tradition. The Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) is located in the south-western part of Poland (Fig. 1). The mining activity in this region has been carried out for more than 200 years with the oldest coal mine being erected in 1740. In the 1980s, there were more than 60 mines. Currently, there are 30 underground collieries that extract approximately 72 × 106 tons Radon problems in mining and post-mining areas in Upper Silesia region, Poland Małgorzata Wysocka