It is important to distinguish between two concepts:
1. Radon Detection
2. Radon Measurement
Radon Detection with Radiacode
- Detection Capability: The Radiacode device is capable of detecting the presence of radon indirectly.
- Bismuth-214 Peak: When radon levels are elevated, a peak corresponding to Bismuth-214 quickly appears on the spectrum obtained by the Radiacode.
- Reason: Bismuth-214 is a decay product of radon (specifically Radon-222) and is always present alongside radon gas.
- Indicator: The appearance of the Bismuth-214 peak serves as an indicator of increased radon levels in the environment.
Radon Measurement
- Specialized Equipment Required: Accurately measuring radon concentration in the air requires specialized devices designed to capture and analyze radon gas from the air passing through them.
- Radon Monitors: These devices actively sample air and measure radon levels, providing readings typically in units like picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³).
- Methodology: They often use techniques such as alpha spectrometry or ionization chambers to quantify radon concentration.
Limitations of Dosimeters
- Inability to Measure Radon Concentration: Standard dosimeters, including scintillation detectors and Geiger counters, cannot measure radon concentration in the air.
- Reason: These devices detect radiation but cannot distinguish between radiation originating from radon gas in the air and radiation from radon decay products present in solid materials like walls or soil.
- Implication: While they can detect increased radiation levels, they do not provide specific measurements of radon gas concentration.
By understanding the distinction between detecting the presence of radon and measuring its concentration, users can choose the appropriate equipment for their needs. The Radiacode device is useful for detecting elevated radon levels through the identification of decay products like Bismuth-214 but is not a substitute for specialized radon measurement instruments when precise concentration data is required.
