Annual radon measurement at the workplace
Radon (Rn) is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the ground and is produced by the decay of uranium. The gas is colorless and odorless - you therefore cannot detect it with your senses, but need an appropriate measuring device. As the radon atoms are very small, they can even pass through house walls and floor slabs. This means that high concentrations of radon can also occur in closed rooms, especially near the floor, such as in underground floors or on first floors or in poorly ventilated areas.
Exposure to high radon concentrations increases the risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second highest cause of lung cancer after smoking. As people spend a lot of time in working environments, mainly in enclosed spaces such as offices or factories, employees in radon precautionary areas are particularly affected. It is therefore important, and in some cases required by law, to carry out regular measurements to ensure that radon concentrations in the workplace are below the legal limits and that the health of employees is protected. In radon precautionary areas, legislation provides for the radon concentration in the workplace to be checked in order to protect the health of employees. Similar regulations apply abroad.
Further information about the radioactive gas and a detailed map of its primary distribution in Germany can be found in our article "Radon: The radioactive gas in living spaces".
Active & passive radon measurement: advantages & disadvantages
There are two main methods of radon measurement: active and passive measurement. For the annual mandatory radon measurement in radon protection areas by the employer, passive measurement methods are currently primarily used.
Passive radon measurement
Passive measurements use special detectors or dosimeters that are placed in a room for a certain period of time. These detectors record the radon exposure over a longer period of time (usually one year). The values cannot be read during the measurement. At the end of the measurement period, the detectors or dosimeters must be sent to a laboratory for evaluation. There, the collected data is analyzed and the radon concentration is calculated. The results are then passed on to the user in the form of a report or notification.
The advantage of passive radon measurement lies in its simplicity. This is because this method does not require continuous monitoring and is relatively easy to carry out.
A disadvantage, however, is the delayed data access. As passive measurements are carried out over a longer period of time and the radon concentration cannot be read directly from the measuring device, it can take some time before the results are available. Furthermore, only the average radon concentration is measured. This is very low, for example, if the building is ventilated. This can dramatically underestimate the real danger in the building, as the ventilation behavior in the neighbouring room may be completely different, for example.
Active radon measurement
For active measurements, on the other hand, special devices such as radon monitors with an electronic radon detection system (e.g. ionization chamber) are used to continuously measure the radon concentration in the air. The measuring devices thus enable real-time monitoring. The active radon measuring devices such as the air-q radon provide continuous data that enables an immediate response if high radon concentrations are detected. They can also be used to reliably measure different rooms in the building.
Radon measurement with the air-Q radon
The air-Q radon offers you various evaluation options: You can read the radon concentration directly on the air-Q. The radon measuring device has an easy-to-understand LED display for this purpose. Using the changing color scale, you can quickly see whether the radon values in your room are elevated or the limit values have been exceeded. The app also provides you with detailed diagrams on the development of the air pollutant and sends you push notifications as warnings.
In addition to the real-time measurement, the high accuracy of the measurements is an advantage. The air-Q radon has a very sensitive patented radon sensor that can determine the radon concentration in real time.
In addition, the air-Q radon has up to 10 further dedicated sensors that also detect other air pollutants: CO₂, air temperature, relative and absolute humidity, dew point, air pressure and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates. Each measured value is recorded by a separate, high-quality sensor. This enables the air-Q radon to precisely differentiate between the various measured variables and ensures comprehensive air analysis. It can therefore continue to be used as a practical office aid even after the radon measurement.
This data is used to sensitize you and your employees to the issue of "good indoor air". After all, you need the best conditions in the workplace in order to be productive. However, numerous air pollutants inhibit concentration and performance and can even promote illness or trigger disturbing symptoms. With an air measuring device, you can monitor the quality of indoor air and actively intervene if the conditions for a healthy working environment are no longer met. You can read more about how indoor air quality affects work here.
