In a comparison test conducted by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP), the Radonova Laboratories radon detectors RadTrak3 and Rapidos received the highest performance grade of an “A”. The test was carried out to provide Canadian consumers with an unbiased, performance-based comparison of alpha track radon detectors commonly used in Canada.
The tests were performed at the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada (RSIC) National Radon Chamber in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. C-NRPP invited alpha track manufacturers to participate in the project by providing 33 of each type of their alpha track detectors that are on C-NRPP’s list of approved devices. A rigorous inspection process ensured that the alpha track devices received from the manufacturers were properly sealed and did not have any observable holes or leaks.
The intercomparison study included three batches of equivalent exposures inside the radon chamber with the following conditions:
| Batch 1 | Batch 2 | Batch 3 | |
| Radon concentration | 600 Bq/m3 | 200 Bq/m3 | 100 Bq/m3 |
| Temperature | 24 degrees Celsius | 24 degrees Celsius | 24 degrees Celsius |
| Humidity | 44% RH | 49% RH | 51% RH |
| Duration | 522.6 hours | 193.5 hours | 96 hours |
Detectors were then given a grade based on their performance during the three exposure conditions as follows:
| Measurement Error | Grade |
| ≤ 10% | A |
| >10% and ≤ 20% | B |
| >20% and ≤ 30% | C |
| >30% and ≤ 40% | D |
| >40% | E |
Radon-induced lung cancer accounts for approximately 16% of the lung cancer cases in Canada and over 3,000 deaths per year, according to Health Canada. In Canada, as well as in Sweden, long-term measurements are recommended to accurately assess radon levels in a building. Alpha track detectors with film measurements are considered the most reliable method in this situation.
“This test verifies that Radonova’s radon measurements with film tracking are of the highest quality. Canada is a large and important market for us, and we are naturally pleased to receive this confirmation that our measurements are at the forefront of development,” says Tryggve Rönnqvist, Technical Manager at Radonova Laboratories.“
“We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this study,” says Zan Jones, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Radonova, Inc. “It is critical to have accurate radon measurement results in homes, buildings, and schools across all provinces and territories. This study provides Canadians with additional confidence in Radtrak3 and Rapidos radon detectors.”
