Radonova has been supplying Rapidos radon detectors for 20 years. In that time, over 250,000 units have been manufactured which have mainly been used for short-term measurements (between seven to ten days). This type of measurement gives a good indication of radon levels that may exist in the home or workplace. Normally, Rapidos detectors are used when you do not have enough time to take a long-term measurement and obtain an annual average – which requires a measurement period of at least three months in most countries.
High accuracy when compared to market alternatives
There are many types of radon detectors for short-term measurement. However, none are as reliable as Rapidos.
“Rapidos continues to be unique, not least because of its large chamber volume for detection and the clean, transparent plastic film that is placed inside the detector. After 20 years of use by customers from all over the world, we know that Rapidos remains the leading and most popular detector for short-term radon measurement”, says Karl Nilsson, CEO of Radonova Laboratories.
Rapidos consists of a plastic lid and bottom with a gap that lets in the air which is measured. Radioactive alpha particles arising from the decomposition of radon gas leave traces in the transparent plastic film made by C39. In order to obtain a precise measurement, it is crucial that you obtain sufficient traces of the film which can then be analysed, especially in view of the short measurement time. The large measurement chamber enhances the detection speed to provide an improved statistic for short-term measurement.
“Many suppliers use the same type of detector for both long and short-term measurement, which in all honesty does not provide sufficient accuracy. Detectors like Rapidos have too small a measurement volume for long-term measurement requirements”, continues Karl Nilsson.
Ideal to use when selling or buying a house
Rapidos is mainly used in relation to the sale or purchase of a property. In this scenario, you often don´t have time to wait for a long-term radon measurement. However, by using Rapidos you still get a very good indication of radon levels. The analyse provided is usually adequate enough to decide whether a radon-lowering measure is required. In contrast to long-term measurement (which is conducted to obtain an annual average value), short-term measurements can be done all year round. In many countries, long-term measurements are only conducted when the heating is on at home or in the workplace, which is normally between October and April.
Why measure radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that leaks from the ground and in some cases comes from building materials. Depending on the ground beneath the house and the type of building construction, harmful high concentrations of radon can occur. Second to smoking, it is the cause of most lung cancer cases in the world.
Globally, an estimated 230 000 people are affected each year by lung cancer as a result of long-term exposure to radon. Lung cancer is one of the cancers that has the highest mortality, with only 20 percent of those affected surviving five years after the initial diagnosis. Therefore, it is essential to monitor for radon to ensure that it does not exceed the applicable national limit values. Note, limit values vary from country to country. However, if you order a radon measurement from Radonova it is straightforward to check which limit value applies to your country.
