Assessing the accuracy of consumer-grade digital radon monitors under “real world” conditions

Radon is a radioactive gas that accumulates indoors and is recognised as one of the leading causes of lung cancer among non-smokers. Developments in consumer-grade sensors capable of measuring real-time radon concentrations offer new monitoring approaches. However, no data exist comparing the performance of these devices under real-world conditions. Therefore, stakeholders cannot advise householders to remediate based on these measurements. The current study aims to assess the accuracy of consumer-grade radon monitors compared with the well-established alpha track detectors. Sixty alpha track detectors were distributed to dwellings with digital radon monitors already installed. The results show an excellent linear regression between the two measurement approaches. Furthermore, statistical analysis found that temperature, humidity, and radon concentration did not influence inter-measurement variations. The evidence can be used to promote radon testing and, consequently, remediation, while allowing householders the ability to recheck the radon level in their dwelling at any stage.