An optimized system for measurement of radon levels in buildings by spectroscopic measurement of radon progeny

Radon gas, Rn-222, is a problem in many buildings. The radon gas is not harmful in itself, but the decay chain contains charged elements such as Po-218, and Po-214 ions which have a tendency to stick to the lungs when inhaled. Alpha particles from the decay of these ions cause damages to the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer. The recent reduction in the limits for radon levels in buildings call for new simple and efficient measurement tools [1]. The system has been optimized through modifications of the detector size, changes to the filters and the design of the chamber. These changes increase the electric field in the chamber and the detection efficiency.