Radon
gas measurement services
Radrisk Consulting
provides a radon detection
and measurement service for domestic and international customers.
We also supply radon measurement instrumentation
for professionals. Our monitoring service is based on electret
ion chambers (E-PERM®
system), a leading radon measurement technology in the USA. We measure
the levels of radon in your building, provide you with a comprehensive
analysis of the results including an interpretation of the measurements
in terms of the effects on health, and advise on radon mitigation
measures if required. The E-PERM® system carries significant
advantages over other passive radon detection technologies; E-PERMs
exhibit similar reliability to expensive electronic continuous radon
monitors, have greater sensitivity than alpha-track monitors thus
allowing short-term measurements to be made, are true integrating
detectors, and allow results to be evaluated and communicated quickly.
We provide several measurement options to suit your requirements:
SHORT TERM TESTS (7 DAYS)
- For obtaining radon levels quickly and
efficiently.
- Uses extremely sensitive detectors to
allow accurate measurement of radon levels in a short term measurement.
- Test is made with windows and doors in
the measurement area normally closed (except for entering and leaving),
to reduce effect of radon level fluctuations.
- Two detectors are used simultaneosly to
improve precision.
- If the radon level measured is above the
EU recommended action level of 400 Bq/m3, it is advisable
to take radon mitigation procedures; a follow-up test may be advisable
(see below), provided by Radrisk Consulting
for a nominal fee.
MEDIUM TERM TESTS (3 MONTHS)
- Provides an improved
estimate of the year-round average radon level.
- Test is made under normal
living conditions
- If the radon level measured
exceeds the EU action level of 400 Bq/m3, it is advisable
to take radon mitigation procedures.
LONG TERM TESTS (1 YEAR)
- For accurate determination of true year-round
radon levels.
- Tests made under normal living conditions.
- If the radon level measured exceeds the EU action
level of 400 Bq/m3, it is advisable to take radon mitigation
procedures.
RADON IN WATER TESTS
- If your radon test shows high levels of
radon, and your water comes from a well, your water should be tested
for radon.
- We provide results within one week of
receiving water samples.
FOLLOW-UP TESTS
- After a short-term test has shown elevated
radon radon levels, a follow-up test is recommended. Two options
are available:
- A medium term follow-up test is normally
performed to check radon levels before committing to mitigation
procedures.
- However, a short term follow-up test can
be performed if results are required rapidly.
For more information on our radon gas measurement
services, please email us at info@radrisk.com
Discounted prices are available for multiple
measurements and research projects, please enquire.
What is radon gas?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive
gas arising from the decay of small amounts of uranium present in
all rocks and soils, and is responsible for 50% of the radiation exposure
to the general population (Europe) from natural sources causing many
thousands of lung cancer deaths annually, many preventable. All rocks
contain small traces of uranium, although higher concentrations are
found in certain rocks, granites for example,and so the level of radon
accumulation in buildings can vary from place to place. Radon gas
seeps into buildings through floors and basements and can accumulate,
especially in enclosed and poorly ventilated areas like insulated
buildings, underground car parks, cellars and basements. The inhalation
of particles (radioactive daughter products, principally polonium-214,
polonium-218 and bismuth-214) produced by radon radioactive disintigration
can then cause radiation exposure to the lungs. Significant health
problems may be presented if exposures are maintained over a number
of years; according to official estimates, radon gas is responsible
for 2500 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.K. and 21000 deaths
in the USA making it the second leading cause of lung cancer after
smoking. recent research has shown that 9% of lung cancers in Europe
are attributable to radon gas. If recommended limits in your building
are exceeded, remedial action should be undertaken to reduce the levels
of radon accumulation, such as increasing ventilation or reducing
the porosity of building materials.