Performance evaluation of radon measurement techniques in single-family homes

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, poses a significant health risk as prolonged exposure indoors can lead to lung cancer. Current radon measurement techniques vary widely in methodology, device types, and exposure duration, posing challenges to accurately evaluate and benchmark radon concentrations. To comprehensively assess the performance of various radon measurement techniques, we conducted measurements in 20 single-family homes across diverse geographical regions of Western Switzerland. We deployed multiple types of passive dosimeters and three grades of real-time sensors for periods extending up to one year. Our results reveal that long-term passive measurements were only marginally influenced by measurement duration, demonstrating the reliability of passive measurements shorter than one year. Cross-comparisons of real-time sensors revealed performance discrepancies, with medium- and consumer-grade sensors exhibiting errors of 10 % and 18 %, respectively, when compared to reference research-grade devices. Furthermore, comparison of consumer- and medium-grade sensors to 3-, 6- and 12-month passive measurements underlined their capability to monitor radon levels accurately, with errors typically below 20 %. These results were consistent with previous laboratory-based performance testing, highlighting similar real-life performance of real-time radon sensors. Our findings suggest that short-term passive measurements and low-cost real-time measurements could reliably replace traditional radon assessment methods. This paper provides new insights into the reliability and performance of radon measurement techniques over various time periods and real-life conditions. • We tested the performance of radon devices over short- and long-term periods. • Passive measurements taken over 3 and 6 months were comparable to year-long ones. • One-week passive measurements effectively detected radon levels exceeding 150 Bq/m ³ . • Performance of real-time sensors increased with their selling price. • Performance of real-time sensors was similar in real-life and laboratory conditions.