Radonova News, Articles and Information

For over 30 years, Rutgers has provided classroom based radon courses to help individuals become certified radon professionals. While you could go to the physical campus for measurement and mitigation courses, attendance was limited to classroom settings.

Rutgers is now offering a 16 hour online measurement course that is approved by both the National Radon Safety Board and the National Radon Proficiency Program. These national certifications validate the competence of measurement specialists, as well as radon laboratories, testing devices, and mitigation contractors. The NRSB and NRPP directories are extremely helpful in finding certified radon professionals, especially in states lacking a state run radon certification program.

For more information on the radon training courses, visit the Rutgers site.

For information on becoming certified by the NRSB or NRPP you can visit there respective sites below.

NRSB

NRPP

May 15

Radonova Intercomparison Receives High Marks from PHE

Radonova Laboratories has achieved outstanding results in a preliminary comparative reference test performed by the state-owned PHE (Public Health England). The intercomparison tests were performed at five different radon levels – Radonova participated with two different types of detectors for each exposure. In all ten cases, Radonova’s results differed by less than 4% from the respective reference value.

During the reference test, radon detectors were exposed to different levels of radon. The results are then compared to the official reference values as dictated by PHE. Radonova’s detector Duotrak had a particularly small deviation where three out of five tests deviated by less than one per cent from the reference value.

Demanding test
“For several years, Radonova has regularly been involved in this type of comparative reference test. We are consistently given high marks but are still very pleased by the fact that this is probably our best result so far. It feels particularly good when we are constantly working on developing and refining our radon detectors as well as instruments and measuring methods,” said Radonova Laboratories CEO, Karl Nilsson.

“PHE’s comparative reference test is among the most demanding in the industry. It tests both low and high exposures which places particularly high demands on reliability. We are always looking to offer our customers the highest quality technology and take this as an acknowledgment that we continue to be at the forefront of the market for radon measurements,” comments Bill Rounds, President of Radonova.

The radon detectors were subjected to exposure between 137 – 2180 kBqh/m3. PHE is expected to publish the report towards the end of 2019.

For more information on radon and radon measurements visit www.radonova.com.
For more information, please contact Bill Rounds, President of Radonova
Phone: +1.331.814.2201, E-mail: bill.rounds@radonova.com

May 08

Radonova’s Newest Product – Robin

Earlier in the year, Radonova took the strategic decision to broaden its range of radon measurement technologies by adding several advanced instruments and products to its portfolio via the acquisition of the radon measurement instrument division of Gammadata Instruments.

Here we take a more in-depth look at ROBIN, one of the state-of-the-art radon monitors developed and manufactured by Gammadata, which is compact, light and suitable for all types of ventilation control facilities where there is a need to monitor radon levels.

Industrial ROBIN

Renowned for its stability and rugged aluminium design, ROBIN is an industrial radon sensor for ventilation applications such as air handling units, roof fans and radon evacuation fans. For industrial radon detection, there are two versions of ROBIN offering different measurement ranges: 0-400Bq/m3 and 0-4000Bq/m3. Each unit is factory calibrated with traceable industry standards.

ROBIN measures radon air levels and converts the concentration to an accurate output signal. The sensor can be connected to a fan controller, PLC or any other analog input signal device.

The sensor has high immunity to EMC and can withstand interference from thyristor controllers. The radon sensor can be deployed as a fixed installation and is placed in ventilation ducts, air handling units or just in a room. Due to its design, ROBIN functions independently of air flow conditions and can measure accurately in both laminar and turbulent airflow.

Technical Specifications for ROBIN 0-400 Bq/m³ and ROBIN 0-4000 Bq/m³:

Measurement principle: Filtered diffusion to high voltage measurement chamber
Detection principle: Alpha spectrometry
Output signal: 1-10 V
Measurement range: 0-4000 Bq/m³
Maximum measurement range: 0 – 100000 Bq/m³
Accuracy: Typically within 25% @ 200 Bq/m³
Time resolution: From 1 h
Connection: 4-pole connector block
Weight: 240 g
Dimension: Length 60 x Width 76 x Height 45 [mm]
Power supply: 12 V DC or 10 – 30V AC/DSDC(two models).
Power consumption: < 50 mW
Temperature Storage: 0 – 70⁰C
Temperature Operation: 0 – 60⁰C

ROBIN in Mining

For the mining industry, a reinforced version of ROBIN is available for fixed installations in underground environments. The mining version of ROBIN measures the radon in air and converts the concentration to a proportional output signal.

The default measurement range is 0-4000 Bq/m³, but this can be easily customized on request. As with other versions of ROBIN, the radon sensor has a high immunity to EMC. Protection against humidity is achieved by additional painting on the PCB and the provision of a thermal load in close proximity to the detector which duly prevents condensation.

Technical Specifications:

Measurement principle: Filtered diffusion to high voltage measurement chamber
Detection principle: Alpha spectrometry
Output signal: 1-10 V
Measurement range: 0-4000 Bq/m³. Range is customizable.
Maximum measurement range: 0 – 100000 Bq/m³
Uncertainty: Typically within 25% @ 200 Bq/m³
Time resolution: From 1 h
Cable gland: M20
Connector: Shielded Cable with 4 leads. Internally to 4-pole connection block.
Weight: 240g
Dimension: Length 80 x Width 76 x Height 45 [mm]
Power supply: 10 – 30 V AC or DC
Power consumption: 60 mA at 24V
Temperature Storage: 0 – 70⁰C
Temperature Operation: 0 – 60⁰C
Humidity: Improved protection against humidity

For more information on radon and radon measurement visit www.radonova.com.
For more information, please contact Bill Rounds, President of Radonova
Phone: +1.331.814.2201, E-mail: bill.rounds@radonova.com

May 07

Pennsylvania Bill to Require Radon Testing In Schools

Radon levels in the state of Pennsylvania are notoriously high. An estimated 40% of homes in the state have elevated levels above the EPA guideline of 4.0 pCi/l. If elevated homes are that prevalent, what about schools, where kids spend 40+ hours a week?

Thanks to a new bill being introduced by Tim Briggs, Pennsylvania may soon find out. This new bill would require every school district to not only test for radon but inform parents of the reported levels.

The EPA estimates high radon gas levels are present in over 70,000 classrooms across the country. In Pennsylvania, a nonprofit called Healthy Schools PA recently released a report stating, of the districts that responded to Right-to-Know requests, only 31% have tested and of those 28% reported dangerous levels above the 4.0 pCi/l.

Read the entire article here: PA to Require School Testing

Looking to test schools in your area? Radonova can help determine how many test kits you need, help coordinate placement and retrieval efforts, and offers a state of the art online customer portal, RadOnline, to oversee the entire project.

Apr 15

Radon Maps Do Not Show Radon Levels in a Specific Building

‘Radon maps’ is a term that frequently crops up when talking about the risk of radon. A radon map provides a general picture of the areas where there is a risk of high radon levels. These maps are available at both national and regional levels. However, the problem with a radon map is the false sense of security it can give regarding a specific building.

Despite this, Radonova is seeing a growing number of cases where private individuals and workplaces are using radon maps to try to determine the radon level in their specific indoor environment.

“Radon maps are designed to be used when you want a more general geographic breakdown of low-risk and high-risk zones. It is, however, very difficult to draw any reliable conclusions from these about radon levels inside a particular building,” comments Bill Rounds, President at Radonova.

“The relevant authorities and experts often have good knowledge of the applications for which radon maps can be used. Problems tend to arise when the general public draw conclusions from the maps about radon levels in their own home.”

This is why radon maps do not show radon levels in a specific building.

Below are some of the reasons why radon maps are not a reliable tool for determining radon levels in a specific building.

Radon maps do not show local variations

When producing a radon map, very few measurements are performed in a specific area. Radon levels can vary significantly in such a large area and even between buildings on the same street. Indoor radon levels largely depend on the building’s construction and the air permeability of the soil, which can vary locally.

There is no standard for the production of radon maps

To produce a radon map, measurement data is either obtained by measuring ground radon levels or using data from indoor measurements in the area. With ground radon measurements, there are no clear links between the level of radon in the ground and indoor radon levels. There is certainly an increased risk with high ground radon levels, but other factors, such as construction technology, can have a greater impact.

However, if the radon map is based on indoor measurements, then the results are heavily dependent on the type of building structure where the measurement was recorded. This in turn need not be relevant in any way for another building close by.

Radon can be emitted by building materials

Radon maps use an accumulative average to represent an area’s general risk and cannot account for individual factors. For example, building materials like blue lightweight concrete used in foundations and aesthetic upgrades that incorporate natural stone emit radon and has the potential to impact results. Because this can cause outliers in “low” radon areas, it’s important to measure each building regardless of its location on a radon map.

The maps can be generated from old data

Measured radon levels are to some extent ‘perishable’. A measurement taken from a few years ago, for example, is no longer reliable. A lot may have happened over the years in and around the building in question to change radon levels. Modernizations, changes to ventilation, and groundwork are just a few examples of factors that can have a major impact on indoor radon levels.

“With this in mind, you shouldn’t rely on radon maps if you want to know what the radon levels are in a specific building. Even if you live in an area that is defined on the radon map as a low-risk zone, there may still be very high radon levels indoors. Given that radon, after smoking, is the most common cause of lung cancer, there is every reason not to rely on this type of map when trying to determine radon levels in the home and at workplaces,” concludes Bill Rounds.

Measure in the building

The only way to get a reliable picture of radon levels in indoor air is to measure them. This can be done in an affordable manner using radon detectors. Radon maps still have a role to play, however, as they can provide the authorities with an overview that makes it easier to prioritize inspection efforts.

Apr 11

Radon as a Health Risk – WHO report

The WHO’s latest report ‘Guidelines on Housing and Health’ describes how people’s housing and health are affected by a variety of factors. The report describes radon, among other factors, as a health risk. The report draws attention to the fact that radon should be regarded as a carcinogen on a par with tobacco smoke.

The harmful effects of radon are emphasised by, among other things, the WHO wanting to reduce the reference level for radon in home environments to 100 Bq/m³. That is one-third of the reference level established in Directive 2013/59/EURATOM, which is 300 Bq/m³.

Radon Causes Lung Cancer

Radon as a health risk is a global problem that each year is estimated to cause around 230,000 cases of lung cancer, which has a high mortality rate. Radonova’s measurement expert José-Luis Gutiérrez Villanueva comments on the latest WHO report:

“It is important that radon is not singled out but regarded as one pollutant among many. In this respect, the WHO’s report is clear and important. The report describes the harmful effects of radon, as well as how preventive measures can be used to reduce harmful radon levels. Bearing in mind the fact that radon causes a very high number of lung cancer cases, it is vital to speak plainly about this issue.

“While radon is a global problem, the WHO’s report makes it clear that radon needs to be tackled at national level. In order to be effective, each country needs a well-developed programme that can be adapted to the circumstances in each case.”

José-Luis Gutiérrez Villanueva has worked on radon issues for the last 15 years. He wrote his PhD on ‘Radon concentrations in soil, air and water in a granitic area: instrumental development and measurements’ (University of Valladolid, 2008), and is an expert in areas including data analysis and different ways of measuring radon. As secretary of the European Radon Association, José-Luis also has extensive experience of international work with radon.

More information and the report ‘Guidelines on Housing and Health’ are available here»

FAQs about radon and radon measurement: https://radonova.com/information/about-radon/faq/

Apr 08

The Lung Association – Ontario to Provide Radonova’s Rapidos and Radtrak2 for Home, Workplace and School Radon Testing

Through its partnership with Radon Environmental The Lung Association – Ontario is providing Radonova’s radon detectors to consumers to offer a fast, efficient, and accurate way to find out if your home, school or workplace has potentially hazardous indoor radon levels. The detectors supplied by The Lung Association – Ontario gives the public the option of choosing either a short or long-term test kit. All test kits provided are recognized by Health Canada and C-NRPP certified.

“The air you breathe, regardless of where you live, work, or socialize, is important to your health. The Lung Association is committed to protecting your breathing and that’s why we’re excited about this new partnership and being able to offer a variety of radon test kits for the public. Testing for radon is simple, convenient and inexpensive. With these do-it-yourself kits, it’s easy to follow the instructions included and test your home,” says George Habib, CEO of The Lung Association – Ontario.

Rapidos is a short-term radon measurement test kit that captures a measurement of radon levels over a period of 10 days. Online analysis and measurement reports are available from Radonova’s laboratory within 1-2 weeks after the laboratory has received the detectors. Both accurate and flexible, Rapidos is one of the most effective ways to measure radon in residential buildings, workplaces and schools.

Radtrak2 is Radonova’s flagship long-term Radon test kit and tests home’s and office’s for radon over a sustained period. With ultra-high accuracy over a prolonged period of time, it provides a full and clear perspective on the risk of radon exposure in the tested location.

Radon is an invisible, odourless and tasteless gas that can accumulate to unnaturally high and dangerous levels in homes and workplaces. Radon is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking and the leading cause in non-smokers. Young people and children are more vulnerable to radiation as they have higher respiratory rates than adults. However, consumer knowledge on how to detect Radon and meaningfully reduce exposure is low.

Bill Rounds, President at Radonova, said: “We work with strategic partners, like Radon Environmental, to enable our products to be accessed by a wide variety of organizations. Remember, radon gas cannot be detected without the proper equipment. This means, while it is easily remedied when detected, cases of non-detection pose a great risk to humans in an unmonitored house, building or school. We offer state-of-the-art technology which mitigates this risk.”

Radon Environmental President & CEO, Alan Whitehead commented: “We are delighted to have teamed up with the Ontario Lung Association to provide Radonova’s short and long-term alpha track radon detection devices. We supply many local health authorities and public testing initiatives across Canada with these devices and our partnership with the OLA will lead to increased public awareness and radon testing in Ontario. Radonova is the world leader in alpha track technology, their laboratory is the only ISO17025 certified alpha track testing facility of its kind, so our clients can be confident in the lab analysis and its QA process. One of the features that our clients like the most is RadOnline, Radonova’s on-line customer portal. Through MyPages, customers can easily input measurement data, retrieve reports, and have an overview on every project, in real-time.”

To learn more about radon testing and to purchase a test kit, homeowners can visit here. Short and long-term radon tests include delivery of confidential lab test results.

Radonova is the laboratory of choice for numerous government radon surveys, as well as other public and private sector large scale measurement contracts around the world. A truly global laboratory, Radonova is active in over 50 countries and has performed millions of measurements.

Mar 08

Radonova’s Busy Start to the 2019 Radon Conference Season

Radonova kicked off a very busy upcoming radon conference season with back to back shows at the Las Vegas International Builders Show, the EPA Region 7 Stakeholders meeting in St. Joseph. MO, and rounding out the week with a ‘home-court’ event at the Midwest AARST Stakeholders Meeting in Oakbrook, IL.

2019 International Builders Show – Las Vegas, NV

At the IBS event, we joined one of our biggest partners, Radon Environmental Management Corp, at their booth. With the event focused on builders and new construction, radon testing and radon resistant new construction were a primary focus. REMC’s mitigation products, the Airwell and Radon Guard were on display alongside all of Radonova’s testing devices. A spot near the booth was in demand when Mike Holmes and Mike Holmes, Jr. stopped by for a Facebook live event promoting their ‘Make It Right’ mission and in support of REMC and Radonova’s Homles Approved products.

2019 EPA Region 7 Meeting – St. Joseph, MO

EPA Region 7 had a positive showing this year, hosted in Missouri and consisting of measurement specialists, mitigation contractors, and state officials from the entire region. Consisting of Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas, this region is extremely hands on due to the higher radon concentrations typically seen in homes in the midwest. Kansas State University assisted with the production and both days were filled with engaging speakers and radon plans at the state levels to get all residents testing for radon. We had the privilege of having our own booth at this event and were happy to be partnered near Alpha Energy Laboratories, David Smith Radon Supply, and the NRSB certification board. For a quick trip, it was great to see a lot of our industry partners and supporters.

2019 – Midwest AARST Annual Stakeholders Meeting – Oakbrook, IL

MWAARST rolled into Oakbrook again March 7th and 8th. Being one of the largest and most attended AARST chapter events, talks and participants needed to be split into 2 days with record attendance being capped and closed BOTH days! Being right in Radonova’s backyard we definitely wanted to help out this year. In addition to being a gold sponsor in attendance with our own booth, between the two days we were able to have every Radonova employee in attendance. Thursday night, during the Radon Mingle, Radonova upped the ante and brought of some of the most delicious appetizer offerings Pinstripes had to offer. The evening capped off by dinner with a handful of industry partners, including some of our friends at Spruce and Eric Lewandowski from Professional Radon Systems and the AARST Board of directors. Not to mention, even the days speaker and passionate radon induced lung cancer survivor and advocate, Rachel Malmberg joined us! MWAARST has a lot of irons in the fire and Radonova cannot wait to get more involved and see the next chapter unfold under new president Dan Potter!

With no intention on slowing down, be sure to follow us on social media and be sure to catch up with us at a handful of events all throughout March and April.

Feb 27

Radonova Introduces Individual Date-Marking for Detectors Used in Radon Monitoring

By Daniel Roak | Radonova News, Uncategorized | No Comments

Together with the recently launched vacuum packaging, the unique date-mark ensures that the monitoring and analysis work can be carried out with the utmost reliability.

Tryggve Rönnqvist, technical manager at Radonova Laboratories, describes the benefits of date-marking the detectors:

“By date-marking each individual pack, we further increase the measurement certainty of short-term monitoring. If radon monitoring is carried out over seven to ten days after the detector has been stored for a year, this could have some effect on the result. Quite simply, it’s more difficult to measure lower concentrations reliably if the monitoring period is short and the storage time is long. Even though we’re talking about small deviations, we always strive to give our customers the most accurate monitoring results possible which is why we have updated the way we manage our inventory stock.”

Easier for stockists and customers with their own stock of detectors

“Above all, per device date-marking makes life easier for international stockists and customers who previously ordered date-marked boxes of radon detectors. Now they can quickly see how old each detector is and optimise their warehouse logistics accordingly. Real estate agents are another good example of businesses that benefit from clear date-marking. Monitoring is often fast and frequent in this segment and many agents, therefore, often have their own supply of detectors. By date-marking each device, we’ve made it easier to use the detectors in the right order.”

“Although our monitoring is already at the very forefront of reliability, clear date-marking of each detector and the newly introduced vacuum packaging helps us to offer even simpler, more reliable radon monitoring.”

The newly launched vacuum packaging provides a maximum storage time of eight months for short-term monitoring and three years for long-term monitoring.

Radonova also recommends beginning long-term monitoring within 18 months because the measurement uncertainty decreases the sooner monitoring begins. For further information about radon and radon monitoring, contact us here.

Feb 21

Radonova Expands North American Team

Amber Szromba has joined Radonova’s North American operations as a Marketing and Administrative Coordinator.

Amber will be responsible for coordinating and managing Radonova’s presence at North American trade shows, negotiating sponsorships and sourcing and providing support for new marketing initiatives. In order to drive office efficiencies at Radonova’s corporate headquarters in Westmont Illinois, Amber will also be providing administrative support to the onsite executive team as well as supporting the Operations and Production teams from an administrative and departmental liaison capacity.

Bill Rounds, President at Radonova, said: “We’re delighted to have Amber onboard, as she joins a growing, ambitious team which is making great strides in the North American marketplace. Her experience will be essential in the months and years to come. By continuing to strengthen our team, we are ensuring our aggressive growth plans become a reality. We are leaders in our field due to a longstanding tradition of innovation, our ultimate aim is to become the de facto supplier of radon measurement technologies worldwide.”

Feb 19

Benjamin Portin sees opportunities at Radonova

By AdeptPlus | Radonova News | No Comments

Settling into a new job isn’t always easy. Benjamin Portin, however, has quickly become a part of Radonova Laboratories. After starting as a temporary worker at Radonova, Benjamin now works full-time in the company’s production and analysis department.

“Naturally, it helps that, in my case, I worked at Radonova while I was studying. But I get the feeling that this is a workplace where you quickly become one of the team. It’s also a place where you have great freedom with responsibility. There’s very little micromanaging here, instead, everyone knows what needs to be done without needing instructions for each work stage,” says Benjamin.

Growth and strict demands have to be matched

As a world leader on a market with strict demands in all stages, the continued success is based on the company and employees being in sync. Promoting a corporate culture characterized by dedication and a willingness to learn is a key component. Another is that all employees see opportunities to develop.

“It’s nice to work at a company where you know that several of the managers started on the shop floor, like me. Anyone who is both driven and willing to learn has every opportunity to develop. This is a company and market that offers very exciting career opportunities,” continues Benjamin.

“Radonova is currently growing in several markets. At the same time, we’ve positioned ourselves as a company with very high quality, and the fastest delivery and analysis times on the market. In turn, this places strict demands on each individual employee. Everyone has an important role to play and we’re mutually dependent. Clearly this is a team effort,” comments Bill Rounds, President of Radonova.

The work itself is important

It’s estimated that more than 200,000 people a year die as a result of radon-related lung cancer. More and more countries are beginning to understand the importance of working to reduce exposure to radon.

“People’s knowledge of radon in general is still quite basic. At the same time, it’s clear that many people are surprised that understanding what the situation is where you live or work doesn’t have to be difficult. In many cases, remedying an elevated radon level doesn’t have to be particularly complicated either. Obviously, it’s more enjoyable to go to work knowing that what we do helps to influence human health for the better,” Benjamin concludes.

Benjamin studied the nature programme at upper secondary school. Today he works with production and the analysis of radon samples.

Feb 06

Radonova Launches a New Product for Safe Radon Monitoring in Soil

Radonova international web site»

Radonova Laboratories is launching a new detector that makes it safer and easier to monitor radon in soil. The new Ecotrak® detector can be used ahead of new builds and property modernisations and provides quick, reliable information on the amount of radon in the soil being tested.

Unlike other commonly used soil detectors, Ecotrak® is covered by international comparative tests. The detector is supplied in a Tyvek bag, which protects against moisture, dirt and other factors that could affect the result.

Ecotrak® does not have to be returned for immediate analysis, rather it can be collected and stored at stockists for a short period. This enables more streamlined handling and means that detectors from several different monitoring periods can be sent for analysis at the same time.

“Monitoring radon in soil is relatively simple. The challenge is to monitor it in such a way as to provide a reliable result. In part, this means that the product itself has to be high quality and able to withstand the stresses that are part and parcel of monitoring in soil. However, it also means using an accredited laboratory that takes part in international tests. This enables us to carry out fact-based comparisons with large amounts of reference data,” says Karl Nilsson, CEO of Radonova Laboratories.

“With the new Ecotrak offering we are making it simpler and safer than ever to monitor radon in soil. No matter what type of construction is involved, there’s value in understanding the radiation source in the ground, and propensity for elevated radon emanations. What’s more, in some cases the local building committee requires a study into radon levels before granting building permits. Should monitoring show that the site is what’s termed ‘high risk’, construction methods can be modified, including radon barriers and other preventative methods,” says Bill Rounds, President at Radonova.

Ground radon in brief

Uranium and radium are the two elements that contribute to the levels of radon gas found in soil. Levels of radon gas can vary widely depending on the type of soil. As a general rule, the airier the soil composition, the higher the level of radon. Conversely, a more compact composition makes it more difficult for the radon to circulate in the soil.

Ecotrak® in brief

Covered by stringent international comparative studies
Not sensitive to moisture (large amounts of water do, however, affect the results)
Supplied in a protective Tyvek bag
Can be collected and stored for a short period (for efficient handling of multiple measurements)
Monitoring usually takes place over one to seven days
Can be used all year round (provided the soil is free of frost)
The recommendation is to use at least three detectors for the first 100 m² of the site where the property or construction will stand, and then it’s a good idea to have at least one extra detector per extra 50 m².

For further information about the new Ecotrak® detector, contact Radonova here»

Radonova US web site»

Jan 31

Bill Rounds Promoted to President at Radonova Group

By Daniel Roak | Okategoriserade | No Comments

Bill Rounds has been promoted from Vice President, Americas and Australia, to President within the parent Radonova Group AB, a global enterprise with offices and partnerships in numerous countries across the world.

In addition to Bill’s existing responsibilities which include sales, operations and P&L for Radonova, Inc., Bill will now also focus on the global strategy for the group moving forward, as well as supporting colleagues’ sales efforts in Europe, Asia and Africa. Through R&D and product development, Radonova is currently broadening its range of radon measurement technologies to meet new international market needs and regulatory requirements.

“Widening Bill’s scope of responsibilities strengthens our position globally and strategically supports our aggressive growth plans for new markets. It is our intention to become the de facto supplier of radon measurement technologies worldwide. Bill brings to the table a unique combination of management, operations, sales and marketing and strategic planning skills, which is why we are delighted that he has taken up this new leadership role. His proven track record in the sector means that we are bullishly optimistic about short and long-term revenue prospects. These are exciting times at Radonova,” said Karl Nilsson, CEO of Radonova Group.

Bill’s trade association/NFP/NGO positions include the Executive Board Member and Treasurer at the AARST Foundation, the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST), the Midwest Relocation Council (MRC), and the Corporate Relocation Council (CRC). Bill is also President of the Board of Directors of Radonova, Inc.

For more information on radon and radon measurement visit www.radonovalaboratories.com

For more information, please contact Bill Rounds, President of Radonova
Phone: +1.331.814.2201, E-mail: bill.rounds@radonova.com

Jan 29

Radonova Selected as the Testing Laboratory Supporting the Evict Radon Campaign in Alberta, Canada

Westmont, IL, United States, January 29, 2019 – Radonova, the global leader in Radon measurement, today announced that it has been selected as the testing laboratory for the Evict Radon province-wide campaign in Alberta, Canada. To date, over 15,000 Alberta homes have been tested. Evict Radon is designed to increase awareness about radon-induced lung cancer and encourage Western Canadians to have their homes tested. Processed in Radonova’s laboratory, the results from a 90+ day test are then taken forward by researchers to understand how our environment influences our radon exposure and health.

Radon is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking and the leading cause in non-smokers. Young people and children are more vulnerable to radiation as they have higher respiratory rates than adults. However, consumer knowledge on how to detect Radon and meaningfully reduce exposure is low.

Evict Radon is a confederation of Canadian cancer researchers and scholars founded to understand Canada’s radon problem through science and eradicate radon exposure in homes to prevent future cases of radon-induced lung cancer. This confederation encompasses Canadian medical doctors, biologists, geologists, physicists, architects, clinical psychologists, communications professionals, and population health experts with a strong track record of innovation, public outreach, and cancer prevention research.

The team innovatively combines grassroots science engagement and citizen science-based research to prevent cancers. Evict Radon is led by Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, who is the federally-appointed Canada Research Chair for Radiation Exposure Disease.

Dr. Aaron Goodarzi said: “It is very straightforward to test for radon. A radon test device is smaller than a hockey puck and requires no electricity. You simply place it in the lowest level of the home where someone spends more than four hours a day. Early findings from our study indicate that in rural Alberta, one in six homes are impacted. Right now, we have one Albertan a day diagnosed with radon-induced lung cancer. If Alberta were a country, it would be among the top five on Earth, in terms of radon-exposed populations.”

High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass said: “I’d heard people talking about radon gas in Alberta, but I really didn’t give it a lot of thought until my wife wanted us to test for it. Now, we’ve become advocates of testing, and I’d like to see other mayors in our province encourage their citizens to test for the gas.”

Bill Rounds, President of Radonova, said: “Radon is an invisible, odourless and tasteless gas that can accumulate to unnaturally high and dangerous levels in our homes. Evict Radon is a ground-breaking campaign, which can be used as a template to identify other regions where Radon exposure is high. This will consequently help prevent unnecessary cases of radon-induced lung cancer. As the only global ISO accredited radon measurement provider, we’re fully committed to working with Dr Goodarzi’s team to ensure the project gets accurate results in a timely and professional manner to ensure the concept can be confidently rolled out to other regions.”

The radon kits used in the study costs $60 and are available here. Devices must be purchased by the end of January for the testing to be completed during the winter. Evict Radon re-opens every fall for radon testing.

For more information on radon gas, click here to watch Dr. Goodarzi’s recent Tedx talk.

# # # #

About Radonova

Radonova, Inc., formerly Landauer Radon, Inc., was born out of Landauer, Inc. (NYSE:LDR), a pioneer in radiation dosimetry. Dating back to the early 1980’s Landauer began manufacturing and analysing alpha track detectors (ATD) under the brand name Radtrak. Radtrak quickly became the industry standard for radon testing in the United States.

The new company, Radonova, maintains a high profile within the global radon community, and has been the laboratory of choice for numerous government radon surveys, as well as other public and private sector large scale measurement contracts around the world. A truly global laboratory, Radonova has measurements in over 50 countries worldwide and has performed millions of measurements. For more information visit https://radonova.com.

Press Contact:

Darren Cottom, Crow Public Relations
Email: darren@crowpublicrelations.com
Phone: +44 (0) 7713 652216

Jan 22

Radonova acquires Gammadatta Radon Division

Radonova Expands North American Service Offering with Gammadata Acquisition

Through the acquisition of the radon measurement instrument division of Gammadata Instruments, Radonova has further strengthened its position as a world leader in home and workplace radon measurement. As demand for radon measurement increases in the North American region, Radonova has taken the strategic decision to broaden its range of radon measurement technologies by adding several advanced instruments and products to its portfolio.

Since 1987, Gammadata has developed and manufactured radon instruments. It has developed three state-of-the-art radon monitors which are used in the industrial market:

ATMOS is a radon sniffer that measures indoor radon levels and identifies the entry point into a building. The instrument utilizes pulsed ionization chamber technology which enables it to measure radon levels quickly and accurately, presenting results instantaneously.
MARKUS measures radon levels in soil. Portable and battery powered, the instrument is able to identify high radon concentrations.
ROBIN is an industrial radon sensor for ventilation applications such as air handling units, roof fans and radon evacuation fans. It measures radon air levels and converts the concentration to a proportional output signal. The sensor can be connected to a fan controller, PLC or any other analog input signal device.

By expanding its capabilities, Radonova is proactively responding to the global demand for safe and efficient radon measurements in homes and workplaces.

Bill Rounds, President of Radonova, said: “As we continue to expand aggressively into new markets, its imperative that we broaden our measurement capabilities to enable us to fulfill new requirements. ATMOS is arguably the world’s most sensitive radon sniffer. Being able to offer this type of innovation and advanced technology provides us with a real competitive advantage, and is a significant value-add to our client base. The future of our service deliver offering is bright.”

Rounds continues: “Workplace radon measurement is now becoming the norm, which is why we are always looking to enhance and diversify our radon measurement program to meet new market needs and regulatory requirements.”

Dag Sedin, Founder and Senior Advisor at Gammadata, said: “As we are now part of Radonova Laboratories, there is enormous potential for intensifying our research to ensure that we continue to deliver the most innovative radon instruments and sensors available on the market. Radonova provides us with a great platform to further develop the new product lines we have in the pipeline. The first of these will be an update to the ATMOS radon sniffer. In addition, Radonova has an established export network that will provide numerous new opportunities for growth when new products are released.”

For more information on radon and radon measurement visit www.radonova.com

For more information, please contact Bill Rounds, President of Radonova
Phone: +1.331.814.2201, E-mail: bill.rounds@radonova.com

Nov 06

Radiation Pioneer – Marie Curie

Marie Curie was born on November 7, 1867 in Warsaw, Poland. She was the youngest of 5 children and both of her parents were well known teachers. In 1891, Curie enrolled in physics, chemistry, and mathematics at the University of Paris.

Discovery of Polonium and Radium

Starting in 1896, Curie began running tests on uranium rays. She performed her tests using an electrometer. As a result, Curie would soon learn that uranium rays conduct electricity in the air around them. Thus, she hypothesized that radiation was not caused by interactions between atoms but from the atom itself. Curie’s findings were a crucial step in proving that atoms were divisible.

In 1898 Curie found two new elements. Polonium was the first and named for her home country Poland. Followed by Radium, named for the Latin word radius, meaning ray. Additionally, Curie coined the term “radioactivity”, due to the electrical contact between the new elements and the air around them.

In 1903, Curie was awarded a Nobel Prize in physics. She was the first woman to ever win a Nobel Prize. Shortly after, Curie took a job as physics chair at the University of Paris. She became the university’s first woman professor. In 1909, fearing that Curie would quit, the University of Paris helped Curie to create the Radium Institute. It was here that Curie was able to isolate radium. Furthermore, she defined an international standard for radioactive emissions named for her late husband, the curie.

Marie Curie was awarded a second Noble Prize in 1911. This time for chemistry and her discovery of polonium and radium. Curie was the first person to receive 2 Nobel Prizes. To this day she is still 1 of only 2 people to achieve this.

Death

Marie Curie passed away at the age of 66. The harmful effects of radiation were not known at this time. Thus, Curie had no idea the toll her studies were taking on her. Handling radium and performing x-rays during the war ultimately lead to her death. In 1995, her remains were moved to Parthenon in Paris. Curie became the first woman to be honored with interment in the Parthenon. As of 2015, 3 woman have had this honor.

To this day, Curie’s papers from 1890 are still considered to dangerous to handle. Therefore, they are held in special lead lined boxes. Due to their level of contamination, people wishing to read them must wear special protective clothing.

Radon and Alpha Track Tests

While studying radium, a gas was found emanating from the atom. Radon, became the fifth radioactive element discovered. Moreover, radon gas kept its radioactivity. Consequently, radon was given a Group 1 carcinogenic grade. Simply put, it is known that radon causes cancer..

Radonova manufactures alpha track radon tests. Devices are made of a plastic housing and a CR39 chip. Detectors are placed in homes, schools, and workplaces. Air containing radon enters the detector. Alpha particles leave the atom at a such a speed they leave tracks on the CR39.

Similarly, radon is inhaled in the air we breathe. Thus, particles will damage lung tissue when leaving the atom in your lungs. For that reason, radon is the highest leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Oct 29

The Scary Truth about Radon

Radtrak² Long-Term Radon Mearement Rapidos Short-Term Radon Measurement

ghots in a graveyard with radon and infected lungs

Oct 10

University of Calgary Radon Study – Ted Talk

More Information on the Study

Dr. Aaron Goodarzi is the head of the Evict Radon program through the University of Calgary. For the past few years they have provided radon test kits to Alberta residents for research pertaining to DNA damage and how that can cause and predict cancer.

Recently, Dr. Goodarzi gave an excellent Ted^xtalk on radon gas and his project. In a well delivered presentation he makes the dangers of living in a home with high radon levels very clear and easy to understand. Sometimes the bigger message of radon causing lung cancer is glossed over when scientists talk science to other scientists and the average resident or homeowner, the people most susceptible to this Class 1 carcinogen, often do not fully grasp the dangers or what exactly a high radon level means for them and their families.

Without pulling any punches on the severity of lung cancer, Dr. Goodarzi compellingly addresses radon in a manner digestible by everyone from the sharpest person in the room to the person hearing about radon gas for the first time.

Sep 05

Radonova Kick Off 2018 – Berlin

Sorry we missed a blog last week – we were in Europe meeting with some of our European coworkers for Radonova’s 2018 Kickoff in Berlin. It was a great week filled with educational sessions, sightseeing, a lot of history, team-building, and spending some quality time with many of our global colleagues.
Take a look at some of the photos our US team captured throughout the fun-filled week.

See More Pics Here!

Aug 16

Successful BC First Nations Radon Test Project with Assistance from ‘My Pages’

Read the First Nations Report Here

Created in 2013, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in British Columbia, is a first of its kind Indigenous-led health service delivery organization that works closely with federal and provincial partners to integrate health programs for “healthy, self-determining, and vibrant BC First Nations children, families, and communities.” With radon awareness steadily growing in British Columbia, FNHA decided to begin testing on-reserve homes and has completed the second phase of a residential radon monitoring project to gather data and create awareness within its reserve communities. Currently there is little information available about the impact of radon on health for on-reserve populations but many high radon risk factors are present in the communities including poorer housing conditions.

400 test kits were deployed through this program with over half being deployed directly in FNHA’s Interior Region. Utilizing Radonova’s proprietary RadOnline customer web portal (radonova.com/mypages), the project team achieved an astounding 92% response rate. Reported results indicate that over 10% of the homes tested have elevated radon levels above Health Canada’s guideline of 200 Bq/m³.

This testing project was conducted with assistance from the Public Health Agency of Canada through the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health, with significant outreach performed by the Interior Health Authority’s Environmental Health Officer, Greg Baytalan, and truly made possible by the contributions of the First Nations communities and staff.

Aug 07

Radon Entry Points – Basement

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Many homes have basement areas. Whether finished or not there is always a potential for radon to enter your home through the basement. Not all homes will have every radon entry point shown, but the image shows the most common ones. Any one of these entry points could contribute to a high radon gas level in the home.

Testing for radon is the only way to know if your home has high levels of dangerous radon gas, a class A carcinogen that causes lung cancer.

Test Your Home Today!

Jul 30

USA Gold Medalist Beats Radon-Induced Lung Cancer

Read the Full Article Here!

In 2016, Rachael Drazan-Malmberg woke up with pain in her ribs. She initially attributed the pain to working out, however after the pain persisted she sought medical attention.

What she believed “wasn’t going to be anything” revealed a diagnosis of lung cancer that had even already spread to her brain. After the doctors told her the cancer was unusual and caused by a genetic mutation versus being inherited, Rachael and her husband tested their home for radon gas. Immediately they installed a mitigation system and their situation prompted 3 of their neighbors to test and mitigate as well, after finding high levels of radon gas.

Not sparing any time, Rachael had the doctors “pull the goalie” and attack the cancer with everything they had. After hours and hours of radiation treatment the tumor in her lung was small enough to be removed. Then, with the help of additional medications, she was able to eliminate her brain tumor as well.

Just two years after her diagnosis, Rachael was able to compete in the 2018 Olympics and help the Team USA Women’s Hockey Team take home the gold medal.

Jul 25

Vintage Illuminated Watches, Clocks and Dials Emitting Radon

Read the Original Article Here Link to University of Northampton's Report

In the first decade of the 20th century, scientists developed a way to mix radium 226 with paint to created ‘radioluminescent paint’. Everyone was fascinated by this discovery leading to the application of the paint to clocks, telephones, and even airplane instrumentation panels, enabling the devices to be seen in the dark.

However the new found idea was not without its issues, and by 1925 a group of radium painters, later referred to as the Radium Girls, sued their employer over health issues believed to be stemming from the ingestion of radium through a practice called ‘pointing’ their brushes. Simply put they would lick the ends of the brushes to refine the bristles into a point, subsequently ingesting radium remnants from the brush. As a result, by 1930 ‘pointing’ brushes was no longer done by mouth and incidences of malignancy due to radium was down to zero by 1950. This lead most people to believe that radium was not an issue, unless of course you consumed it.

Fast forward 60 years – researchers from the University of Northampton understand that radium decays into radon gas, so could “vintage” clocks, watches, phones, etc., previously coated in radium paint influence radon gas levels as the radium naturally decays?

The study was performed in a small bedroom and consisted of measuring the radon gas level for a baseline, then adding 30 radium dial watches to the room to see how much the radon level would change, if at all. Upon retesting it was discovered that the room’s radon level rose to 134 times the EPA recommended action level.

In the first of its kind study, this new data indicates a previously unconsidered risk to owning, collecting, and storing radium dial watches or other items that were typically coated in radium-infused paint.

Jul 16

Simon Fraser University Radon Study

Additional Information About the Study and the Full Article Can Be Read Here!

Anne-Marie Nicol, a public health researcher and associate professor at Simon Fraser University is creating awareness to get residents of British Columbia testing their homes for radon gas.

Radon gas is “the worst thing you’ve never heard of” says Nicol, but “nobody’s talking about it. How are people supposed to know?” Residents of the North Shore in cities like North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Whistler, Pemberton, Squamish, the Sunshine Coast and the Gulf Islands are encouraged to test as previous reported radon test performed in and around these areas have often times indicated radon gas levels 5 times Canada’s guideline for indoor radon (200 bq/m³).

Projects currently underway spearheaded by Anne-Marie are aimed at gathering more data from potential at-risk areas and at changing public complacency to a serious health risk.

Jul 11

Finding Certified Radon Professionals

By Daniel Roak | Radon Testing | No Comments

When researching for potential radon measurement specialists to perform a radon test on your home of workplace, or for mitigation contractors to install a radon mitigation system, where should you begin? Roughly 30 years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified individuals who had gone through specific training and courses on radon and listed them as “EPA RPP Certified” radon professionals. Several years later the EPA decided to eliminate their national certification program and direct individual states to create radon programs that would mandate who could test and/or mitigate for radon. Regrettably many states currently do not have a radon program or certifying body to inform residents who can perform a radon testing or radon mitigation within their state. A quick search online of your state and/or their health department radon program will let you know if your state has any radon certification program.

However, we want to focus on the states that currently do not manage a state radon program. How can residents in these states find professional and knowledgeable companies? What are the different certifications? Where can I find someone to test/mitigate my home?

Two major national certification programs fulfill this need. They are are the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) and the AARST National Radon Proficiency Program (AARST NRPP). Both of these organizations certify radon measurement specialists and mitigation contractors and/or radon laboratories and testing devices. On either of these websites you can search for professionals by state and filter by city or zip code to find certified individuals near your home that offer radon services.

A few things to remember:

Being on or not being on either of these lists does not speak to the quality of a individuals work. Many un-certified testers and contractors have been doing exceptional work for years and can be considered experts at their trade. These lists simply state that they have taken courses, utilize proven standards, and continue to evolve with the changing landscape of radon protocols, procedures, and best practices.
Even non-certified testers have to use certified devices. If you truly want a certified tester to perform your radon test, be sure that the individual has been certified and not just the device they utilize.
Both of these sites have the most up to date information available for their respective certifications. With testers and contractors constantly being added to the list and certifications expiring, certifications should always be confirmed. Neither certification org is permanent,. they require continuing education credits to maintain certification, and renewals. Just because someone was certified, does mean they still are. Its always best to confirm.

Jul 02

Comparing Radon-Induced Lung Cancer Mortality Rates to Other Common Cancers

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Order a Rapidos 10-30 day test here!*more reliable*

This interesting graphic compares the EPA mortality rates of radon-induced lung cancer to some other well known cancers as documented in the National Cancer Institute’s SEER Report. While radon induced lung cancer accounts for only 14% of total lung cancer deaths, this is still a significant number of deaths as the graphic shows.

Radon Gas is directly responsible for more cancer deaths than many common cancer types. Sadly, unlike most other cancers, the source and cause of radon induced lung cancer is easily avoidable. Lung cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers.

Testing your home for radon gas is easy to do, inexpensive, and just might save a life.

Test. Fix. Save a Life.

Select one of Radonova’s accredited radon test kits below, and test TODAY.

Order a Radtrak² 90+ day test here! *most accurate*

For this article and others from the EPA about the health risks of radon:

Visit the EPA's Heath Risk Website

Jun 25

Congrats to the 2018 IL Radon Awareness Poster Winners!

Order a QuickScreen (AC) 2-4 day Test Here! *FASTEST*

Congratulations to the winners of the Illinois Poster Contest for Radon Awareness. The American Lung Association in Illinois holds the contest every year with help from the U.S. EPA and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to help spread the awareness of radon gas. Check out the winning posters below, and don’t forget to test your home today for radon gas!

1st Place: Lucy C. from Evanston, IL

2nd Place: Kimberly G. from Arenzville, IL

3rd Place: Lila M. from Vienna, IL

Order a Rapidos 10-30 Day Test Here! *MORE RELIABLE*
Order a Radtrak² 90+ Day Test Here! *MOST ACCURATE*

Jun 18

First Radon Cause of Death Classification in North Dakota

Read the Original Article Here Purchase a Radtrak² Here Purchase a Rapidos Here

After moving into a new home in Casselton, North Dakota, Judith Antoine began suffering from poor health. Shortly after receiving a chest X-ray, Judith was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, scarring of the lungs. With only a small piece of her lungs working, Judith passed away in November of 2017.

Having given up smoking nearly 30 years prior to her death, her children wanted to know how and why she developed pulmonary fibrosis. Judith’s son Andrew suspected a form of environmental exposure and decided to perform a radon test on the home. When the results of the test were 234 pCi/l, 58 times the recommended indoor level, Andrew “…about fell over” .

Judith’s family is convinced that chronic exposure to radon killed their mother. Dr. Brent Hella, Judiths’s physician, agrees and even went as far as to list her cause of death as pulmonary fibrosis as a consequence of “radon toxicity”. It is believed this is the first classification of radon toxicity on a death certificate in the state of North Dakota.

Jun 11

What Are Alpha Tracks?

By Daniel Roak | Radon | No Comments

All detectors manufactured by Radonova incorporate alpha track technology (ATD), but what are alpha tracks?

During the process of decaying, alpha particles containing 2 protons and 2 neutrons are released from the atomic nucleus of a radon atom. This particle leaves the nucleus at a blazing 15,000,000 meters per second, or about 5% the speed of light. Due to the particles mass, electric charge, and relatively low velocity, alpha particles are favorites to interact with other atoms and loose their energy pretty quick. Their forward motion can typically be halted within a few centimeters of normal air, as the embedded video shows.

This decay process will occur inside of our detectors. When the alpha particles are released from a radon atom, they collide inside with a CR39 chip and leave a ‘track’ (see images below). These tracks are then chemically etched, counted, and calculated using a custom algorithm to determine the total radon dose collected by the detector.

^{Tracks on CR39 chips as seen through a microscope.}

The following video shows alpha particles being released from radon atoms in a cloud chamber created within the basement of a home that has a 100 pCi/l average radon level, 25 times the EPA recommended action level!

Jun 04

A New Perspective on Radon Mapping

Read the Full Article Here

Trinity College Dublin performed an indoor radon assessment on 32,000 residences and took a different approach with the findings. Instead of mapping areas based on radon concentration levels, they devised a map indicating ‘Radon Priority Areas’ based on the adverse health effects of radon. The color coding on the map relates to a number of lung cancer cases estimated for a specific area, based on area population and indoor radon levels.

Based on the assessment of homes in Ireland, areas within counties Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford, Kilkenny, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare and Galway are at risk for elevated levels of radon gas. Currently the EU uses the World Health Organization’s action level of 200 Bq/m³, and although some homes tested much higher and lower, typically the results ranged from 21 to 338 Bq/m³.

Approximately 280 of the 2,300 yearly lung cancer cases in Ireland are related to indoor radon exposure. That means indoor radon exposure accounts for over 12% of the most deadly types of cancer cases, lung cancer.

May 29

Radon Exposure and Children