Radiation in Lunar Regolith

Assuming that asteroidal materials are used, there will be some noble gasses, not
just radon, when the volatiles are leached out, some portion of which will be
radioactive. Also, some radioactive solids will be expelled with the gasses, such as
iridium. The same with lunar regolith. so, pretty much regardless of the source, it
will be something that will have to be built into the design of the processing for the
hab. Also, such gasses will leach from any material used to build the station as
well, as chemical processes, heating, etc release them. In the enclosed volume of
the hab, there will have to be a process for dealing with this to make sure the levels
don't get too high.

Date sent: Thu, 25 Sep 2003 11:38:16 -0400
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>
> >>Does anyone have data on how much radiation we can expect from the
> >>lunar regolith that we might be using to shield future settlements
> >>from cosmic rays?
> >>
> >>
> >
> >I don't have data on this, but my expectation would be that lunar regolith in
> >average is less radioactive than Earthling soil. The Moon is a lighter orb
> >and therefore the proportion of heavy elements should also be lower - and
> >radioactive elements are *very* heavy -
> >
> Also note that radon is a gas, and a heavy one, which is why it's a
> ground-level problem for homes etc. But if the regolith in question was
> on the OUTSIDE of a spinning habitat, (1) it would blow away into space,
> since "down" is actually "out" and a vacuum, and (2) given that the
> habitat has to be air-tight anyway, very little of it should get in
> through the seals. You might want to make sure the very outer layer of
> the habitat is porous to radon to be sure it would get out. But I think
> it would be safe to assume radon will not be a significant source of
> radiation in most space habitats.
>
> Arthur
>

danst@...
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