and today ’ s technology makes radon detection more accurate and affordable than ever .”
Park and Ecosense have launched a new initiative to put valuable radon monitoring technology in more people ’ s homes . Known as the Ecosense Digital Radon Detector Library Lending Program , the initiative makes detecting radon in any home as easy as checking a book out from the local library .
The program helps libraries provide educational materials and detection technology , helping local communities understand and avoid the risks of radon exposure . It is already in operation in several state libraries , including Utah , Michigan , Illinois , and Massachusetts .
Leveraging radon detection for healthy living
Radon is a colorless , odorless , and tasteless radioactive gas that is known as the “ silent killer ” due to the extreme health risks it poses to humans . It is created by the breakdown of radium , which exists naturally in soil and rocks .
Cracks and other openings in foundations allow radon to enter homes and other structures . When radon is breathed into the human lungs , its radioactivity can damage DNA and cause lung cancer .
“ Radon gas dissipates in the atmosphere , so it ’ s harmless to humans in outdoor environments ,” Park explains . “ Indoors , however , radon can be trapped and accumulate to dangerous levels . The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 1 in 15 US homes contain dangerous radon levels . More recent data suggests the percentage is higher .”
Ecosense uses a patented ion chamber to power radon technology that provides precise , reliable , ongoing measurements . Its radon monitoring devices capture initial readings in 10 minutes , with definitive readings available in only one hour . Whereas traditional devices require air samples to be sent and analyzed in a lab , Ecosense provides real‐time readings with no external analysis required .
The University of Michigan Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Science and the Kansas State University Radon Chamber independently validated the performance of Ecosense ’ s patented ion chamber technology . Both studies concluded that Ecosense ’ s patented technology performed comparably to premium research‐grade detectors . Ecosense ’ s EcoQube ® radon monitor was recognized as a CES ( News ‐ Alert ) 2021 Innovation Awards Honoree in the health and wellness category .
Addressing radon fluctuations with continuous monitoring
By providing continuous radon monitoring , Ecosense addresses one of the key issues that can lead to overexposure : radon fluctuations . Without accurate , ongoing , and continuous monitoring , dangerous radon levels resulting from fluctuations can go largely undetected .
“ The quick evaluation provided by a shortterm radon test during the home inspection is valuable , but it can ’ t provide an adequate gauge of one ’ s radon exposure risk over time ,” Park warns . “ Indoor radon concentrations are constantly changing , so staying safe requires continuous monitoring with detection technology sensitive enough to identify radon fluctuations . When radon levels increase for extended periods , effective radon monitoring devices alert homeowners to the danger .”
Various factors can trigger radon fluctuations , including changes in outdoor temperatures or the number of people occupying a home . Ecosense ’ s radon technology was designed to alert users to fluctuations , ensuring they remain safe at all times . Its EcoQube ® and RadonEye ® radon detecting devices provide hourly readings