Radon detectors are small yet mighty devices that are the first step towards protecting your property from radon. In fact, our passive radon detectors are in between the size of a digestive biscuit and a jammy dodger. Though they are designed to protect you, we are often asked some questions about how safe our radon detectors are: is the device radioactive? Does it need to go in a hazard bag? Can I pick it up with my bare hands?
You’ll be glad to hear that PropertECO’s passive radon detectors are in no way harmful, they do not store or emit radiation, and they can indeed be picked up with your bare hands.
In today’s blog, we’re going to be diving into some of the FAQs about our passive radon detectors. So, how do these small devices do such a big job?
How Does a Passive Radon Detector Work?
Passive radon detectors, sometimes called alpha track or track etch detectors, are actually very simple devices. They have a hollow plastic shell with a small chemical-grade plastic lens (like CR-39 or polycarbonate) inside. The plastic lens is sensitive to alpha particles; the radioactive particles found in radon. What then happens is small amounts of air are allowed into the radon detector. If that air contains radon, the radioactivity of the gas will mark or create ‘etches’ on the plastic lens inside. Once the designated testing period is over and the detector is sent to our partner laboratory, the plastic lens is then looked at under a microscope. The more marks or etches counted on the lens , the higher the amount of radon the device has been exposed to.
Passive radon detectors react to the amount of radon in the atmosphere around them. This means they do not trap radon, nor do they emit anything hazardous. Though they are safe to hold, it is crucial that once the detectors are placed that they are not tampered with since this will invalidate the test.
If, however, you are feeling curious as to what our passive radon detectors look like on the inside, here you go:
Inside PropertECO’s Passive Radon Detector
Etched Detector Under Microscope
How To Use a Radon Detector
Whether at home, school or in a workplace, testing for radon with our passive radon detectors is simple. You can either opt for self-testing your property and follow the following steps, or you can reach out to our team and request a place and collect service and we will do all the work for you.
- Order a set of passive radon detectors from our radon shop.
- Follow the instructions and place the detectors in areas of high occupancy.
- Once the designated test period has passed, post the detector to our partner laboratory and await your results.
- Results will usually be delivered within 10 days via a report that details the level of radon in your property and whether further action is required.
PropertECO’s Top Tips
3 Month Test Kits
Unless you are under stringent time restraints, we strongly recommend opting for a 3 month radon test kit rather than a 10-day test kit. The reason being is that a 3 month test kit is able to capture a more accurate reading of the radon levels in your property that takes into account daily and seasonal fluctuations.
Where to Avoid
Radon detectors should be placed just over a metre off the ground at breathing height. Areas, like lobbies that may have constant drafts should be avoided so that the results of the test accurately measure the quality of the air indoors, rather than the outdoor air. Likewise store cupboards that are unoccupied areas should not be tested.
Larger Properties
For schools or landlords with larger property portfolios, it can be tricky knowing how many detectors to place and where to place them – that’s where our team of experts come in! We offer a place and collect service to ensure that an adequate number of detectors are used and are strategically placed to gain an accurate radon risk assessment for the site, .
We’re the Experts, But Don’t Just Hear it from Us!
We’re proud that our radon detectors have been rated 5 out of 5 stars by 98% of our customers. We will let them tell you more…
The whole service from start to finish was excellent. Really good advice about the products to use initially for radon detection levels through to the radon removal equipment installation.
Ron Middleton, Derbyshire
Easy to follow instructions meant it was a seamless service. Already recommended to wider family.
Paz Gill, Shropshire
We received the test kit very quickly once the order was made. The instructions were simple and easy to follow and upon returning the test units for analysis after three months, we received the results very quickly. The results were clearly explained and it gave us a piece of mind knowing that we are at low risk. Thanks!
James Brock
I needed the kit at short notice; the staff responded after-hours on Friday and posted the kit on Saturday. Everything else was on time and as promised.
CJ Perry, North Devon
At PropertECO, we offer a variety of radon detectors which you can browse on our radon shop.
If you are unsure about where to begin with your radon testing, feel free to reach out to a member of our team and we will aim to respond to you within 24 hours.
