What kinds of test devices are used?
Two groups of devices are more commonly used for short-term testing. Passive devices do not need power to function. The group includes alpha track detectors, charcoal canisters, and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors. Some charcoal technologies are prone to interference by high humidity, so may not be appropriate for use in all buildings. They are sometimes available in drug, hardware, and other stores, the Internet, and through some laboratories. Electret ion chamber detectors, another type of short-term test device, are usually only available through laboratories. After being used, passive devices are returned to a laboratory for analysis. Charcoal canisters for short-term use are sold through the National Safety Council’s Radon Hotline (800-767-7236). These test kits are designed to be used for two or four days before being returned for analysis by the laboratory that provides it. A return mailer is provided with the kit. Active devices require power to function.
Two groups of devices are more commonly used for short-term testing. Passive devices do not need power to function. The group includes alpha track detectors, charcoal canisters, and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors. Some charcoal technologies are prone to interference by high humidity, so may not be appropriate for use in all buildings. Two charcoal tests should be placed together with blanks 10% of the time. Active devices require power to function. This group consists of different types of continuous monitors and continuous working level monitors. Monitors provide data on the range of variation within the test period. These monitors are designed to detect and deter interference. However, they usually require operation by trained testers.
At KNOW RADON we use active continuous radon monitors that integrate hourly. This is a continuous monitor that is placed by a licensed professional. These monitors take hourly radon readings, (over 48 hours), and stores them in memory for printing later. The benefit of using a continuous monitor is that it gives immediate results at the end of the test versus charcoal canister and bags that must be mailed off for analysis. Continuous Test Monitors must be re-calibrated on a yearly basis at their respective manufacturer.
Two groups of devices are more commonly used for short-term testing. Passive devices do not need power to function. The group includes alpha track detectors, charcoal canisters, and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors. Some charcoal technologies are prone to interference by high humidity, so may not be appropriate for use in all buildings. They are sometimes available in drug, hardware, and other stores, the Internet, and through some laboratories. Electret ion chamber detectors, another type of short-term test device, are usually only available through laboratories. After being used, passive devices are returned to a laboratory for analysis. Charcoal canisters for short-term use are sold through the National Safety Council’s Radon Hotline (800-767-7236). These test kits are designed to be used for two or four days before being returned for analysis by the laboratory that provides it. A return mailer is provided with the kit. Active devices require power to function.
Two groups of devices are more commonly used for short-term testing. Passive devices do not need power to function. The group includes alpha track detectors, charcoal canisters, and charcoal liquid scintillation detectors. Some charcoal technologies are prone to interference by high humidity, so may not be appropriate for use in all buildings. They are sometimes available in drug, hardware, and other stores, the Internet, and through some laboratories. Electret ion chamber detectors, another type of short-term test device, are usually only available through laboratories. After being used, passive devices are returned to a laboratory for analysis. Charcoal canisters for short-term use are sold through the National Safety Council’s Radon Hotline (800-767-7236). These test kits are designed to be used for two or four days before being returned for analysis by the laboratory that provides it. A return mailer is provided with the kit. See the main radon page for more information. Active dev
