Radon is a radioactive noble gas, colorless and odorless, originating from the decay of uranium and thorium present in the soil and building materials. Its inhalation is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, which makes its detection and subsequent remediation a crucial aspect of public health and indoor environment safety. To address this risk, it is essential to rely on precise instruments: the radon meter.
What exactly is a Radon meter?
A radon meter is a specialized instrument designed to quantify the concentration of radon gas in a specific unit of measurement, typically Bq/m³ (Becquerel per cubic meter). Depending on the detection needs, meters are divided into two main categories:
1. Long-term passive detectors (integrated measurement)
These are the most common devices for a reliable average assessment of exposure, such as nuclear track detectors or activated charcoal.
- Advantages: low cost, ease of use, ideal for measurement over long periods (from 2 to 6 months), providing data that reflects actual annual exposure.
- How to use: they are positioned and left on-site for the established period. Subsequently, they must be sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
2. Active detectors (electronic radon meter)
These are electronic and digital instruments that provide continuous readings or readings at regular intervals.
- Advantages: real-time results, the possibility to monitor concentration variations based on the time of day or atmospheric conditions, and rapid diagnosis. They are essential for quick diagnostic investigations and for verifying the effectiveness of remediation interventions.
- How to use: the device calculates and directly displays the radon concentration on the screen.
Why is choosing the right radon meter crucial?
Choosing the right radon meter is not just a matter of instrumentation, but of the reliability of the result. An incorrect survey can lead to missing a potential risk or, conversely, to unnecessary expenses for unneeded remediation.
- Regulations: Italian legislation (Legislative Decree 101/2020) establishes reference levels and requires that measurements be performed professionally, especially in workplaces, by qualified expert services like Atlas Services.
- Measurement duration: Radon concentrations vary significantly throughout the day and the seasons. Only a long-term measurement (12 months) carried out with the correct passive radon meter can provide representative and legally valid average data.
- Data quality: The professional meters (active and passive) used by Atlas Services are calibrated and certified, ensuring the maximum precision required for radiological risk assessment.
Professional services with a certified radon meter
Relying on Atlas Services means not only having the most suitable radon meter for the context (homes, schools, offices, warehouses, basements, and hospitals) but also the necessary experience for:
- Strategic planning: Determining the optimal number and correct position of the dosimeters for a statistically significant detection.
- Installation and retrieval: Managing the entire process of positioning and recovering the passive radon meters.
- Laboratory analysis: Sending the dosimeters to accredited laboratories for analysis and the drafting of the final technical report.
- Mitigation interventions: Providing consultancy and design of effective remediation solutions in case the limit levels are exceeded.
Do not put your health or the compliance of your business at risk. For a safe, effective, and legally compliant radon detection, the first step is the use of a certified radon meter.
Contact Atlas Services today to request a quote or specialized consultancy.
