Radon sampling methodologies: A case for accurate, accessible measurements using household instruments

ABSTRACT

Radon is a prevalent carcinogenic gas and the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States besides smoking. As the residential environment is the primary source of radon exposure, accessible and accurate measurements of radon in this environment are essential. However, no radon monitors have been evaluated that are inexpensive enough for regular household use. In this study, we examine two household-grade, continuous monitoring devices, the Ecosense RadonEye and EcoQube. We compare them to two research-grade instruments, the Durridge Company Rad7 and the Rad Elec Inc. E-PERM. In our study, the Ecosense household radon monitors performed accurately and can be used by homeowners and researchers alike as an affordable and reliable radon sensor.

Implications: The ability of homeowners and renters to regularly monitor the radon levels inside their home is an important preventative health measure. However, low-cost instrumentation is needed that can provide accurate radon measurements. In this study, we show that the affordable Ecosense continuous monitors produce results that are in line with expensive research-grade instruments in a residential environment, over a range of concentrations. The Ecosense monitors may be suitable for home use, and they may provide a solution that can be used by policymakers and home-dwellers alike to improve regular radon monitoring in residences.

Author contributions

P.K. and J.L. conceived of the project. J.L. collected the samples. R.A.S. and P.K. performed calculations and analysis. All authors were involved in writing the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Data access

R.A.S. and P.K. had full access to all the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Figshare at http://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21365307.

Additional information

Funding

This publication was made possible by USEPA grant RD-835872, by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences [R21 ES029637], and by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health [T32 ES007069]. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the grantee and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USEPA. Further, USEPA does not endorse the purchase of any commercial products or services mentioned in the publication.

Notes on contributors

Rebecca A. Stern

Rebecca A. Stern is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA.

Joy Lawrence

Joy Lawrence is a research associate in the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA.

Jack M. Wolfson

Jack M. Wolfson is a research associate in the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA.

Longxiang Li

Longxiang Li is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA.

Petros Koutrakis

Petros Koutrakis is a professor in the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA.