Radon detector how does it work

Radon is a gas; it ebbs and flows based on a number of different factors. But this means an analog test kit, while accurate, could only show you radon levels at a certain time. At another time of year, your radon levels could be much higher or lower. If you are not monitoring radon actively, you might not notice when radon levels surge, putting your home above the action level.

A radon detector, on the other hand, is always watching for you. The Airthings Home detector monitors radon by sensing what are called alpha particles. Alpha particles are emitted as by the radioactive gas radon, and the Airthings device has a sensor calibrated to detect alpha particles. Another way the Airthings device is optimized for accuracy is in the physical design of its detection chamber. Chrome is used in the chamber, which is constructed in such a way that it is a sort of cage against which unwanted particles are barred.

Air is allowed to pass through a 0. These design features allow the radon detector to render accurate readings for years. At the same time, they mean the device gets a more accurate reading and in less time than some radon test kits, with results displaying on the device after just one week. The device is able to give you a reading within a couple hours of use, although this is still regarded as insufficient time to analyze air quality in an entire room or basement.

Radon detectors should not only be accurate, they should also be dependable over the long term. This takes a high degree of quality control and attention to detail to ensure that the device is not going to lose accuracy or require maintenance after a year of use. Other radon detectors require just that: calibration every year, which forces you to spend much more on your detector over the long term than you should have to.

This is one reason people have made the Airthings Home detector a best seller. The instruments are calibrated in advanced radon labs, making sure your device gives you the best results. Radon is radioactive, which means it gives off radiation. Uranium eventually turns into lead, but on its way from uranium to lead it goes through many intermediate steps, one of which is radon gas. As elements decay they emit alpha particles, which is what a radon detector looks for.

All it takes is breathing in these particles to put yourself at greater risk of damaging your lung tissue. Of course, breathing in a few of these particles is fine and actually normal.

But breathing in a lot of these particles can damage your lung tissue and lead to lung cancer. Radon decay is the main source of airborne alpha particles, but it also creates other radioactive materials you might come into contact with. Just as uranium decays and turns into other elements, so too does radon turn into other elements. Speak to our team for advice Passive Radon Detectors The most commonly used type of radon detector used in the UK is a passive radon detector, comprising a small domed case containing a special lens.

Some important things to note about passive radon detectors are: The detector must be left in one place for the duration of the test. It is advisable to always use more than one detector per property as radon levels can vary.

In an average home, one detector is usually placed in a living room and one in a bedroom. Passive detectors are not reusable; they can only be used and analysed once. Some important things to note about digital radon monitors are: The monitor must be left in one place for the duration of the test, however once the test period is complete and the results have been noted the monitor can be reset and moved to another test location. With many models, the results will be displayed on the screen and therefore visible to building users, which may not always be desirable.

Some monitors have an option to disable the screen for this reason. In certain situations, a formal report from a validated laboratory may be required as proof of radon testing, therefore a digital monitor may not be appropriate. These monitors will not give an instant result and to obtain a reliable result should normally be left in place for 7 days or more before reliance is placed on the readings. Useful Links Buying a house in a radon affected area? Where to place radon detectors? What can affect radon test results?

How does Radon affect me? House in a radon gas affected area? Request Your Test Kit With an independent lab, we will test the radon levels in your property and our experts will report back. Useful Links We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

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You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Once you know your levels are higher than the recommended amount, your first step is to find a contractor qualified in radon mitigation. Contact your state radon office for a list of contractors in your area. You can also search for a qualified radon mitigation contractor on Thumbtack. Once you select a contractor, they will usually begin by sealing any cracks or crevices in your foundation. Because few cases of radon contamination are the same, each one will have a different price tag.

The National Cancer Institute cites radon as a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoke, causing somewhere between 15, and 22, lung cancer deaths annually. Keep in mind that not everyone who is exposed to high levels of radon will get lung cancer. Before reviewing radon detectors, we learned the science behind this radioactive gas, how it affects humans, how it gets into homes, and how radon tests and detectors work. All the videos, articles, and digging gave us a better understanding of what makes a quality radon detector or radon test.

After we got the science down, we compared different tests and detectors side by side based on factors like waiting time for the first reading, alert modes, and displays. See how we apply our own scientific method in reviews like this and more from the Safewise methodology page.

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SafeWise uses paid Amazon links. About Contact Press Blog. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. This is not a guarantee. SafeWise is an independent review site. We may earn money when you click links on our site. Learn more. Smart Home FAQ. Best Radon Detectors for Your Home. Radon is a radioactive gas found underground. Learn how to see if your home is at risk.

Best overall. Radon Eye RD Readings within 10 minutes. View readings in app. Long term tests. View on Amazon. Read review. Best smart radon detector. AirThings Wave. Readings within 1 hour. See past and current readings in AirThings app. Best digital test. AirThings Corentium. Readings within 24 hours. See readings on display. Long and short term tests. Best for long- and short-term testing.

SafetySiren Pro4. Easy-to-read display. Continuous readings. New results every hour. Budget pick. First Alert RD1. Tests in under 48 hours.

Affordable price. Easy setup. By Katie McEntire. November 04, Share Article. AirThings Wave: Best smart radon detector. AirThings Corentium: Best digital test. SafetySiren Pro4: Best for long- and short-term testing. First Alert RD1: Budget pick. Where radon is common. Compare the best radon detectors. See full disclaimer.