DATA FROM THE BACKGROUND RADIATION
SURVEY PROJECT
Updated on April 9, 2009
DATA ID #0001
(Observer's Name) James A. Petrait
(Observer's E-Mail Address)
jpetrait@earthling.net
(Location) St. Croix, U.S. Virgin
Islands
(Location's latitude) 17 deg. 43 min.
N
(Location's longitude) 64 deg.53
min.W
(Altitude of Observation) 100 ft.
(Average Background Radiation Count) 11.6167
microroentgens/hour, (factor = 1.05)
(Date of Observation) 3/6/99
(Starting and Ending Times of Observation
(GMT)) 1413 - 1513 GMT
(Number of Minutes Observed) 60
minutes
(Type of Geiger Counter Used) Aware
RM60
(DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS)
RM60 was placed in a FilmShield lead laminated
pouch in an indoor room. The one hour count is consistent with other
counts although there is some variability depending on the time of
day. Used cal factor = 1.05 to keep uniformity with other RM60
reporters. Actual CPM was 12.1975.
DATA ID #0002
(Observer's Name) Mark D. Robertson
(Observer's E-Mail Address)
robertson_family@worldnet.att.net
(Observer's Website) Find the current
background radiation in Longmont, Colorado by going to the
Background Radiation in Longmont, CO
(Location) Longmont, Colorado
(Location's latitude) 40 deg.11
min.N
(Location's longitude) 105 deg.
07min.W
(Altitude of Observation) 5020 ft.
(Average Background Radiation Count) 23.7419
microroentgens/hour, (factor = 1.05)
(Date of Observation) 03/14/99 GMT for seven
days ending 03/21/99
(Starting and Ending Times of Observation
(GMT)) 00:00:00 GMT for seven days ending at 00:00:00 GMT
(Number of Minutes Observed) 10,080
minutes
(Type of Geiger Counter Used) Aware
RM60
(DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS)
RM60 is located outdoors about 1M above ground.
One minute readings are cataloged 24 hours a day every day. Seven day
average was reported above. Used cal factor = 1.05 to keep uniformity
with other RM60 reporters. Actual CPM was 24.929.
DATA ID #0003
(Observer's Name) Steve Stuart
(Observer's E-Mail Address)
stst@aol.com
(Location) Berkley, Michigan
(Location's latitude) 42 deg 29.77 min
N
(Location's longitude) 83 deg.10.68 min.
W
(Altitude of Observation) 685 ft.
(Average Background Radiation Count) 0.129
microsievert/hr (12.9 microroentgens/hr)
(Date of Observation) Feb 27, 1999
(Starting and Ending Times of Observation
(GMT)) 21:00 to 22:00
(Number of Minutes Observed) 45
minutes
(Type of Geiger Counter Used) Russian-made
digital Geiger counter, PKCB 104
(DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS) My son, Gavin and
I did a science project, measuring X-rays from a color TV. As a
start, we measured background radiation in our living room by taking
ten readings of the Geiger counter, each lasting 270 seconds. The
unit is calibrated to measure in microsieverts/hr by dividing the
digital count by 1000. The ten readings were: 114, 142, 135, 123,
119, 127, 143, 136, 106, 144. I repeated the experiment at about 2:00
GMT (9:00 PM EST)and got an average of 0.127 microsievert/hr. (12.7
microroentgens/hr) So I'm confident in the accuracy. I've seen no
published data for my geographic area, but the measurements seem in
line with national ranges.
DATA ID #0004
(Observer's Name) Steve Stuart
(Observer's E-Mail Address) stst@aol.com
(Location) Poland Mining Camp, Poland,
ME
(Location's latitude) N44 degree
04.4'
(Location's longitude) W70 degree
24.6'
(Altitude of Observation) 300 ft msl
(Average Background Radiation Count) 0.138
micrsievert/hr (13.8 microroentgens/hr)
(Date of Observation) Aug 9, 1999
(Starting and Ending Times of Observation
(GMT)) 9:05 PM to 9:30 PM EDT
DATA ID #0005
(Observer's Name) Steve Stuart
(Observer's E-Mail Address) stst@aol.com
(Location) Emmons Quarry, Greenwood,
ME
(Location's latitude) N44 degree
19.5'
(Location's longitude) W70 degree
41.9'
(Altitude of Observation) 1450 ' msl
(Average Background Radiation Count) 0.181
microsievert/hr (18.1 microroentgens/hr.)
(Date of Observation) Aug 10, 1999
(Starting and Ending Times of Observation
(GMT)) 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM
(Number of Minutes Observed) about 30
minutes
(Type of Geiger Counter Used) Russian-made
PKCB-104 digital counter
(DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS) This was in a
pegmatite quarry in western Maine. We took five readings of 270
seconds each (177, 193, 166, 167, 202). The average was 181 which
converts to 0.181 microsieverts/hr. See my earlier entry for more
info on the geiger counter I used. My sons, Matthew and gavin
assisted in the readings and math. The reading may be influenced by
the altitude, as well as natural radiation from the quarry rocks.
Additional readings at other locations during our vacation
follow
DATA ID #0006
(Observer's Name) Steve Stuart
(Observer's E-Mail Address)
stst@aol.com
(Location) Berry Quarry, near Auburn,
ME
(Location's latitude) N44 degree 05'
(Location's longitude) W70 degree
17'
(Altitude of Observation) 350 ft msl
(Average Background Radiation Count) 0.1516
microsievert/hr (15.16 microroentgens/hr.)
(Date of Observation) Aug 12, 1999
(Starting and Ending Times of Observation
(GMT)) 11:37 AM to 12:00 PM EDT
(Number of Minutes Observed) about
23
(Type of Geiger Counter Used) Russian-made
digital counter, PKCB-104
(DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS) Averaged five
readings of 270 sec duration each. The counter readings were 156,
150,162, 146, 144. Average was 151.6 or 0.1516 microsievert/hr. This
work was done in a quarry cut near a pond. I took readings as well at
the car park area and got an average count of 150.8 (137, 160, 150,
165, 142) for a radiation level of 0.1508 microsievert/hr. These
readings were done between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM EDT. They are very
consistent
DATA ID #0007
(Observer's Name) Steve Stuart
(Observer's E-Mail Address) stst@aol.com
(Location) Crown Colony Motel- Rye,
NH
(Location's latitude) N43 degree
00.8'
(Location's longitude) W70 degree
44.2'
(Altitude of Observation) 20 ft msl
(Average Background Radiation Count) 0.1472
microsievert/hr (14.72 microroentgens/hr.)
(Date of Observation) August 13,
1999
(Starting and Ending Times of Observation
(GMT)) 11:50 AM to 12:10 AM EDT
(Number of Minutes Observed) 60
(Type of Geiger Counter Used) Russian-made
digital counter, PKCB-104
(DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS) Ten readings of
270 sec each duration were 140, 144, 167, 145, 155, 140, 143, 155,
166, 137. The average was 147.2 or 0.1472 microsievert/hr. The site
is built on a granite ledge overlooking Route 1-A and a pebble beach.
I suspect that the rocky location contributes to the higher than
expected sea-level count. Numerous granite outcrops are visible
around the motel cabins.
DATA ID #0008
Observer's Name = Dean Chaney
Observer's E-Mail Address = Dean_Chaney@URSCORP.COM
Location = Sacramento, CA
Location's latitude = 121.5
Location's longitude = 38.52
Altitude of Observation = 161 '
Average Background Radiation Count =
1,400
Date of Observation = 5/1/02 through
5/16/02
Starting and Ending Times of Observation (GMT)
= am pm
Number of Minutes Observed = 2
Type of Geiger Counter Used = Ludlum Model
19
DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS = Perform daily
surveys at 9 locations within a 10 square mile area.
DAYA ID #0009
Observer's Name = Charlie Thompson
Observer's E-Mail Address = w5cdt@yahoodot.com
Location = Buda, Texas
Location's latitude = 30.112N
Location's longitude = 097.891W
Altitude of Observation = 600 feet
Average Background Radiation Count = 10uR/hr
Date of Observation = 8/8/2003
Starting and Ending Times of Observation (GMT)
= 13:00 to 13:05
Number of Minutes Observed = 5
Type of Geiger Counter Used = Ludlum MicroR
meter and PRI 111b scintillator
DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS = I use the slow
time constant on both meters and placed the meter on the local soil.
Radiation level does vary somewhat due to changes in minearalization.
Some places as high as 18uR/hr others as low as 7uR/hr.
DATA ID #0010
Observer's Name = Edward Basham
Observer's E-Mail Address = sysop@crnky.org
Location = Preston Street & Broadway,
Louisville, KY 40202
Location's latitude = +38.245
Location's longitude = -085.748
Altitude of Observation = 501 Feet Above
MSL
Average Background Radiation Count =
20.42
Date of Observation = 04/14/2004
Starting and Ending Times of Observation (GMT)
= 00:00:00 to 23:59:59
Number of Minutes Observed = 1440
Type of Geiger Counter Used = International
Medcom RadAlert 50
DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS = This is an
experiment I always perform when I acquire a new counter. I have 100%
confidence in the numbers (e.g., time, date, number of minutes, total
count, average count).
By the way, my detector is on the third (top)
floor of an office building downtown. Gets me somewhat away from the
ground-level radon. I moved my equipment online to provide realtime
public data. http://www.louisvilleradiation.net
Data ID #0011
Observer's Name = William B. Hewer
Observer's E-Mail Address = rambill79@hotmail.com
Location = Buckley, Michigan
Altitude of Observation = 1100'
Average Background Radiation Count =
24
Date of Observation = 1 Jan. through 1 July
2004 average
Starting and Ending Times of Observation (GMT)
= 2100
Number of Minutes Observed = 3
Type of Geiger Counter Used = Precision model
107 B
DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS = Monitor daily
background radiation w/ 2- ARROW-TECH model 2 0-2mR dosimeters.
averages .1mR daily except sometimes during a rain when daily
readings are .2mR daily. Take all readings @ 2100hrs local time. I
have logbooks with readings for 20+ years. I lived on Pine Lake near
Plainwell, Michigan for some time. The background readings there were
generally about twice the readings here in Buckley.
On 19 august 1996 0635 local time, recorded a
Spike of a duration of approx. 1R for about five minutes. This was
Detected on an uncalibrated CD-V 710. Two Dosimeters registered 5R
exposure for the day also. Another instrument, a CD-V 700, went
offscale during the event.
Went camping and the bonfire ashes read 60 cpm
averaged over 5 minutes, while the surrounding area was 24cpm. Why?
Because some of the wood was growing during the atmospheric nuclear
weapons testing of the 50s and 60s. The wood, when burned becomes ash
and therefore concentrates the residuals.
Data ID #0012
Observer's Name = Stefan Morley
Observer's E-Mail Address = stefan.morley@gmail.com.au
Location = Adelaide South Australia
Location's latitude = 34.55S
Location's longitude = 138.36E
Altitude of Observation = 260M
Average Background Radiation Count =
28
Date of Observation = 10Jun2006
Starting and Ending Times of Observation (GMT)
= Start 05:02:50 End 07:03:22
Number of Minutes Observed =
120minutes
Type of Geiger Counter Used = Home Made Using
CK1049 Raytheon tube
DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS = I have no data
from my area to confirm my readings however the CPM seem to in the
ballpark of other counters measuring background radiation and seems
to have a similar response to other units using this tube.
One thing to note this home made unit has a
processor so the counts aren't an RC artifact or a problem in
calibrating a meter, they are real events as counted and displayed on
an LCD screen.
The only inaccuracies are the recovery time of
the avalanche effect of the tube itself possibly missing events close
to each other and events that happen below a comparator
threshold.
Data ID #0013
Observer's Name = Ronald E. Fleshman
Observer's E-Mail Address = ron@rfleshman.com
Location = Colonie, NY, 12303, USA
Location's latitude = 42 44' 57" N
Location's longitude = 73 53' 45" W
Altitude of Observation = 243 ASL
Average Background Radiation Count =
11.23
Date of Observation = February 23,
2007
Starting and Ending Times of Observation (GMT)
= 0000 to 2359
Number of Minutes Observed = 1,440
Type of Geiger Counter Used = Aware
RM60
DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS = I am using a RM60
by Aware electronics connected to an older Packerd Bell 486 computer.
Observations run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I have data for
approximately one and a half years. I am in a fairly remote location,
no industry, medical faculties, or large developments, so there is
little chance of any outside errors.
Data ID #0014
Observer's Name = John Nobles, RN
ret.
Observer's E-Mail Address =
john.nobles@sbcglobal.net
Location = Snyder, Texas, 79549
Location's latitude = 32.718N
Location's longitude = 100.576W
Altitude of Observation = 2427'
Average Background Radiation Count = 0.8 r/hr
Date of Observation = 29Feb.2008
Starting and Ending Times of Observation (GMT)
= 21h32m start 06h35m finish UTC
Number of Minutes Observed = 422
Type of Geiger Counter Used =
CDV-715
DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS = averaged reading
taken every 30 minutes during observation time. Readings ranged from
.6 to 1.2 over observation period. Detector remained in same location
shielded from electromagnetic sources to prevent power surge related
fluctuations. The cdv-715 is rated = +/- 20% accuracy. It was allowed
to warm up 5min then zeroed before reading was taken so I would
estimate = +/- 25% accuracy.
Data ID #0015
Observer's Name = Eric J Wolfe
Observer's E-Mail Address =
ewolfe@hawaii.rr.com
Location = 81-1042 Keopuka Heights Rd,
Kealakekua, HI 96750
Location's latitude = 19.29.54.552N
Location's longitude =
155.54.59.974W
Altitude of Observation = 465.5m
Average Background Radiation Count =
mean:10.28;StdDev:1.864608;min:5.666667;max:15.333
Date of Observation = 9-27-08 to
9-29-08
Starting and Ending Times of Observation (GMT)
= 1.27.56 to 20.02.56
Number of Minutes Observed = 3995
Type of Geiger Counter Used = Black Cat System
GM-45 USB (cont)
DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS = Count per minute
(cont): uR/hr for Cs137/Co60. Counter Used (cont): linked to Apple
MacOSX.v.10.5.5,2GHz Intel core 2 Duo processor, 3GB 667 MHz DDR2
SDRAM using Radiation Acquisition and Display (RAD) Beta v.2.4.8b2
software. Detector contains a geiger mueller tube inside SIMA XPF-20
FilmShield located in wood frame house next to open window 165 in.
AGL (ground) total within 59 AFL (floor). Base rocks are Mauna Loa
volcano lava flows radiocarbon age 5-10Ka BP. Observations not
compared to published ones for this area. Confidence level
100%.
Data ID #0016
Observer's Name = Louise
Observer's E-Mail Address = louise808@gmail.com
Location = Adelaide, South Australia
Location's latitude = 34.55 S
Location's longitude = 138.35 E
Altitude of Observation = sea level
Average Background Radiation Count = 24
Date of Observation = 25 March 2009
Starting and Ending Times of Observation (GMT) = 10:00 - 11:00
Number of Minutes Observed = 2
Type of Geiger Counter Used = ??
DESCRIPTION OF OBSERVATIONS = 25% accuracy
have not compared
not sure what sources of error
From here you can return to the main page of the THE
BACKGROUND RADIATION SURVEY PROJECT.
© 1998-2009, James A. Petrait, Project Director, Background
Radiation Survey (permission is given to use posted data. Contact the
contributers for questions about the accuracy of the data.
Send e-mail to James A. Petrait:
jpetrait@earthling.net