Radon (Rn)

Description:

Radon (Rn) is a chemical element in the noble gas main group and, at 9.73 mg/cm³, the heaviest of the elemental gases. It is chemically unreactive and, under normal conditions, colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

All isotopes of this element are radioactive. With an average effective dose per person (in Germany) of approximately 1.1 millisieverts per year (mSv/a), radon accounts for the largest share of radiation exposure at the Earth's surface. The most stable isotope is ²²²Rn, or radon-222, which decays into radium after a half-life of 3.8 days. This isotope, along with ²²⁰Rn (radon-220, or thoron) and ²¹⁹Rn (radon-219, or actinon), occurs naturally in the Earth's atmosphere and can accumulate in poorly ventilated rooms.

Use is found for radon in medicine to stimulate the immune system. In addition, measuring the radon content provides information about groundwater quality. Radon measurements are also used in earthquake prediction and in the search for uranium ore deposits.

Limit Values for Radon:

Since December 31, 2018, the reference values issued by the EU as a directive and established in the German Radiation Protection Act have been binding. Accordingly, in workplaces and occupied rooms, appropriate measures to reduce the concentration must be taken once the Rn concentration reaches 300 Bq/m³ — that is, 300 decays per second per cubic meter of air. Due to varying radon exposure in different regions, all German federal states are required to determine compliance with this reference value by 2020.

The German Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) goes into even more detail in its assessments. It defines the normal range for the Rn proportion in indoor air as 250 Bq/m³. Values between 250 Bq/m³ and 1000 Bq/m³ are considered a discretionary range, in which adjusted ventilation behavior is sufficient to reduce radon. In the so-called remediation range above 1000 Bq/m³, more extensive measures to protect against radon damage are warranted. The WHO and the German Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) recommend permanently keeping the value below 100 Bq/m³.

Effects of Excessive Rn Concentration:

According to studies by the World Health Organization (WHO), radiation levels between 100 and 200 Bq/m³ can already significantly increase the risk of lung cancer, by 10% per 100 Bq/m³. Smokers are especially at risk, since the carcinogenic properties of radon and tobacco smoke reinforce one another. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection therefore recommends taking precautionary measures to reduce exposure even at a radon concentration of 100 Bq/m³.

With regard to drinking water, the German Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) advocates a reference value of 100 Bq/liter, above which measures to reduce exposure should be examined.

Formation of Rn:

Radon is formed by the decay of uranium and thorium in rock or soil. Since it does not chemically bind to the surrounding rock, it rises to the surface through tiny cracks and joints in the rock and escapes into the atmosphere, groundwater, as well as into caves, mines, cellars, and pipelines. In areas with high uranium and thorium deposits — in Germany especially the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) and the Bavarian Forest — elevated Rn concentrations are also recorded. Above all, its accumulation in cellars that are rarely ventilated, and its subsequent penetration into the ground floor, poses an imperceptible danger to health.

An increase in radon levels can also be observed in mines where uranium, lead, or fluorspar are extracted, as well as in factories and laboratories where radium, thorium, and uranium are handled.

Sensor Used:

The Radon measurement module is an in-house development by air-⁠Q. The measuring principle is based on measuring alpha radiation and evaluating the pulses generated via a scintillator material inside a light-tight measuring chamber.

Radon Measuring Device

A radon measuring device is an indispensable tool for monitoring radon concentration indoors and ensuring that your home remains a safe place. Long-term exposure to high radon levels can increase the risk of lung cancer, which is why monitoring radon levels in your home is of crucial importance.

With a radon measuring device such as the air-⁠Q Radon, you can monitor the radon concentration in real time and respond quickly to elevated values. Our devices are available in two versions. They stand out for their high accuracy, ease of use, and reliability, and can be used with a free app.

Installing and using the radon measuring device is straightforward. Simply place the device in the room you want to monitor and follow the further instructions. The ability to evaluate data via computer or smartphone allows you to easily analyze and monitor it over longer periods.

By using a radon measuring device, you can proactively take measures to reduce radon exposure in your home, for example by improving ventilation or sealing cracks in the foundation. This way, you protect not only your own health but also that of your family. Ensure a safe and healthy living environment.

Measuring Radon:

Use the air-⁠Q radon air analyzer to measure radon as well as other gases and pollutants in indoor air in real time. The air-⁠Q radon can be ordered in our store.