Radon measurement | What is radon? | How to measure? | Detectors
LANDAUER EUROPE radon detectors are based on:
- alpha track technique;
- detectors consist of film elements located inside cups made from antistatic plastic;
- radon enters the detectors by diffusion;
- analysis performed using state-of-the-art image scanner;
- exposure results expressed as kBqh/m3.
Our laboratory use the alpha track method. Detector
elements made of CR-39 plastic, as our Neutrak dosemeter, are put into cups made of
anti-static plastic. Each detector has a unique number. Radon gas,
mixed with the ambient air, diffuses into the cup. The decay of
radon generates alpha particles which create-tracks in the film.
When the exposed detectors returned to the laboratory, the films
are etched. The tracks are then counted in an image scanner.
Based on this value as well as background and calibration factors,
an exposure is calculated.
LANDAUER EUROPE proposes two types of detectors depending on applications.
| long term detector | Open long term detector view | Size |
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| Rapidos | Open Rapidos view | Size |
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| Measurement method | Long term | Short term (rapidos) |
| Detector application | Dwellings/workplaces and as dosemeter | Dwellings/workplaces |
| Measurement range (Bq/m3) | 20-25 000 at 3 months | 70-150 000 at 7 days |
| Measurement range (kBq h m-3 ) | 0-25 000 | 0-25 000 |
| Normal exposure duration (days) | 7-30 | 7-30 |
| Uncertainty (%) | 6% at 400 kBq h/m3 (3 months at 200 Bq/m3) |
0% at 50 kBq h/m3 (10 days at 200 Bq/m3) |
| Basis of uncertainty | 1 sd | 1 sd |
| Holder type | Closed, with filter | Closed, with filter |
| Holder design | NRPB/SSI (black) | Rapidos, own (black) |
| Holder antistatic measures | Conducting holder | Conducting holder |
| Detector material | CR-39/PADC | CR-39/PADC |
| Detector sensitivity (tracks cm-2 kBq-1 h-1m3) |
2,4 | 4,4 |
| Typical background (kBq h m-3) | 5 | 8 |
| Standard deviation
on background (kBq h m-3) |
8 | 3 |
LANDAUER EUROPE’s service includes:
- detectors packed in radon-safe plastic bags;
- instructions for their use;
- a return envelope;
- processing and analysis of exposed detector;
- confidential reporting of exposure results.
The measurements are analysed by LANDAUER NORDIC in Sweden, a part of the Landauer company. It is one of Europe’s top laboratories dealing with radon measurements in indoor air. To-date the laboratory has analysed more than 1,000,000 measurements in residential buildings and public premises in Europe.
The laboratory is validated in the UK according to the validation scheme HPA-RPD-047, and is also ISO 17025 and ISO 14001 certified, as well as EMAS registered. The ISO 17025 accreditation is accepted in 18 European countries by the European Cooperation for Accreditation of Laboratories (EAL).
More information?
Information sheet about Radon in Workplaces
