Intercomparison of Commercially Available Active Radon Measurement Devices in a Discovered Radon Chamber

An unventilated 70 m underground space, with 2.1 m high ceilings and an inner set of concrete walls to damp vibrations, was discovered to have relatively stable radon levels of ~1,080 Bq m over a 1-y period. The addition of radium sources was not required to achieve high and somewhat variable radon levels, as these arise naturally in the space. Several active radon monitoring devices designed for homeowners, radon screeners, radon mitigation professionals, and researchers were tested in the space. These devices were variable in both cost and intended user sophistication. Data were collected at specific time intervals that varied for each device. A cellphone was deployed with an available camera application to periodically capture photographs of the displays of devices not enabled for automatic temporal recording. Attempts were made to alter the radon concentration using fans, radium-laden objects, and radon impermeable sheets. Statistical methods were employed to compare the device's performance under the minor radon transients produced by the addition of Ra sources during the test period. The evaluation of the overall accuracy, noise, and response to transients revealed highly affordable devices that may be useful for future research applications. While unsuitable for precise calibrations at stable radon levels, the space was determined to be adequate as a radon chamber for general research purposes.