Beck, E. Foerster, M. Biel, and Sebastian Feige, working WP2 (Exposure), recently published their results on Measurement Performance of Electronic Radon Monitors in Atmosphere.

Due to progress in technology, new classes of low cost, easy handling and smart designed electronic radon instruments are entering the market, equally attractive for radon professionals and general public. The measurement performance and characteristics of electronic radon monitors with respect to radiological and environmental parameters were investigated by colleagues from BfS. The study included a sample of 14 different types of devices from nine manufacturers. The devices are currently available on the market with acquisition costs in the low or medium range.

The investigations show that the metrological characteristics of the different device types vary considerably. In particular, air humidity can have a strong effect on the sensitivity of radon monitors. Good news: The metrological requirements of IEC 61577-2 are met by the majority of devices. Taking into account that typical ambient conditions in indoor air vary in a limited range, the deviations of most instruments are acceptable for this measurement purpose.

Congratulations to the authors! This and more of RadoNorm’s latest publications can be found here.