Radon can be measured year-round, but if you want a good estimation of an annual average value for the radon level in your home or workplace, then you should measure during at least three of the heating season months (winter months). This enables employers, schools, property owners, condominium associations and homeowners to get a full overview of the radon within their homes and buildings.
Through a largely digitized process, it is now easy to carry out a radon measurement in homes and workplaces. From calculating the measured dose and accumulated annual dose to managing instructions and reporting, radon measuring has become much simpler.
Often good opportunities to mitigate in time
“The earlier the radon problems are detected, the faster measures can be taken to reduce exposure and thus the risk of health problems. Since it is the long-term exposure to elevated radon levels that constitutes a risk, there are usually good opportunities to remedy health-hazardous values in time. We also see how many people are surprised by how easy it is and regret not having carried out a radon measurement earlier,” comments Karl Nilsson, CEO of Radonova Laboratories.
“In many workplaces, the possible radon exposure to employees has gained renewed attention, and it is gratifying that more people want to have full knowledge of the radon issue. Most people spend a large part of their time in the workplace. This makes it important to measure radon to be able to mitigate elevated radon, if necessary,” continues Karl Nilsson.
Why is the annual average for radon important?
When measuring radon, it is usually necessary to obtain an annual average value. For apartment buildings, condominium associations, or workplaces it is often required that the first measurement be carried out during at least three months to obtain an average annual value.
The annual average value for radon is important for several reasons – one of which is because long-term exposure to radon can cause lung cancer. The radon level can also vary during the day and on different days. A measurement conducted over a few days gives a good picture of the current situation but does not capture seasonal variations in the radon level.
Use only accredited laboratories
An incorrectly measured radon level can lead to a false sense of safety for people living and working in an indoor environment with elevated radon. To ensure a safe measurement, radon detectors should be purchased from an ISO 17025 accredited radon laboratory. This ensures a correct measurement and a result that can be trusted.
Why radon is measured at workplaces and in homes
Radon is a health risk. After smoking, radon is the most common cause of lung cancer. Globally, it is estimated 230,000 people suffer from lung cancer every year because of long-term exposure to radon. Human exposure to radon should be minimized and kept as low as possible.
Watch the video about how we manufacture our radon detectors»
