What is a radon detector made of?

There are two types of radon detection mechanisms – passive devices and active devices.

What is radon testing with passive devices?

These types of radon detectors do not require any electricity to power them. They are made to trap samples of radon or "radon residue" products to be analyzed later in a lab environment. Electret ion detectors, charcoal canisters, alpha track detectors and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors are different kinds of passive devices.

• Charcoal liquid scintillation devices and charcoal canister devices, like the QuickScreen, use charcoal to attract radon or its byproducts. The charcoal then begins to emit radioactive particles that can be counted by a sodium iodide counter after the device is taken into the lab. Alternatively, the radioactivity can be turned into light and counted inside of a scintillation detector.
• Alpha track detectors, like the Rapidos and Radtrak³, determine the amount of radon through a plastic film that is affected by the alpha particles from radon that hit it. In the lab, these tracks can be made visible and easily counted.
• Electret ion detectors use a statically charged Teflon disc that loses its charge when it comes into contact with an ion that is generated from radon decay. The radon level is calculated from the charge reduction.

What is radon testing with active devices?

Unlike passive devices, active devices all need electricity in order to power them. They actively monitor the radon in an area through continuous monitoring devices. Because of their use of electricity, active devices are usually more difficult to use and require professional assistance for accurate tests.

Continuous working level monitors and continuous radon monitors are among the types of active devices that testers might use to detect radon.

Does the quality of the lab make a difference?

Hiring a measurement professional or performing your own test with an accredited detection device is only half the battle. The lab analyzing the radon devices must be calibrated and clean, and the employees working the lab must be competent. This can be quantified through national and state accreditations like the National Radon Safety Board or the National Radon Proficiency Program. Additionally, higher accreditations, like ISO 17025, ISO 9001, or ISO 14001 can be achieved through SWEDAC (Swedish European Cooperation for Accreditation) and DNV (Det Norske Veritas).

Accreditation ensures that the laboratory that is assessing radon levels has been assessed against an international standard and confirmed independently through a reputable state body. Accreditation is an ongoing process, and means that a company meets the ISO 17025 international quality standard. The process also provides a known framework that reduces the instance of careless errors.

How does the test work in your home?

In order to conduct a proper radon test, you must first consider how large your structure is and what type of building it is. Residences have different characteristics from schools and commercial buildings. Multifamily buildings have their own type of infrastructure as well. AARST-NRPP protocols are different for each type of building, and they should be followed. Depending on the state that you are in, you may need to comply with your local department of health or state certification board.

General rules to follow when testing are:

• Complete the test in the lowest level of the home with significant foot traffic.
• Do not test in places that are normally damp such as the laundry room, the bathroom, or the kitchen.
• Complete the test away from exterior walls, windows and doors

Follow the directions included in your test closely to yield the most accurate results.

FAQs

What causes radon gas in houses?

Radon exists naturally in the ground and can come into your home via the following ways: 1) Rocks. Radon can be released from rocks as the Uranium contained in them breaks down below the foundation of your home. 2) Natural stone. Like the rocks beneath your home, any natural stone used in the home will have trace amounts of Uranium that can break down and decay into radon. The most common culprit is granite. 3) Cracks and gaps. Cracks in a home’s foundation, sump wells and drains, and gaps where walls meet floors are all responsible for radon entry. Radon will follow a path of least resistance into a home and all these openings allow for an easy route in. 5) Well water. If your water is sourced from an aquifer, it has a higher chance of containing radon than other sources of water. Well water has a closer proximity to the soil and rocks that naturally have radon in them. You release this radon indoors whenever you take a shower, turn on the dishwasher or brush your teeth.

What are the symptoms of radon in your home?

There are no symptoms of low or high levels of radon. This is the reason that it is so dangerous. Any symptoms that you will experience will come from a condition that is caused by radon, which means that the situation has advanced to a stage that requires immediate attention.

How does radon testing work?

The majority of at-home radon testing involves air containing radon in your home passing through a detector. As the air passes through, the radioactive elements of radon react with the unit and collect dose. At the end of the monitoring period, the test is returned to a laboratory who analyzes the collected dose and reports to you an average radon concentration.

How often is radon testing necessary?

Radon testing should be done on a regular interval. According to the EPA after performing a test and receiving a low level of radon, testing every 2 years is recommended. If you have tested high and installed a mitigation system, testing every year to ensure your system is properly functioning and reducing your radon level is recommended. If you have made changes to a building, especially changes in the foundation of a building, then testing should take place at a higher frequency.

What are some radon mitigation strategies?

Once you determine that the amount of radon in a building is unsafe, you should call a professional radon mitigation contractor immediately. In states that have a radon run program, contractors will be certified by the state. Otherwise, two certifications exist, the National Radon Safety Board and the National Radon Proficiency Program, and can be searched to find local contractors. Once a professional has installed a radon reduction system in your building, you should be able to maintain it without professional help in most cases. Some of the techniques that can be used to reduce radon include soil suction, improving the building's foundation, sub slab depressurization, drain tile suction, block wall suction, drain tile suction, house or room pressurization, or installing a heat recovery ventilator.

What is an acceptable radon level?

There are no acceptable levels of radon – all radon is dangerous. At the same time, there is no way to remove 100% of the radon from the air in an indoor space. However, a qualified radon reduction specialist can remove a large majority of it safely.

_{1 World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/radon-and-health
2 Environmental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon
3 Environment Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon#surgeongeneral}