Review of rapid methods for assessing radon levels in domestic premises

Radon measurement methods that are currently available, or that could be developed relatively easily, were evaluated. The feasibility of applying these methods to provide an annual average domestic radon level, based on a short-term measurement, was assessed. It was concluded that the preferred measurement techniques for this purpose were those based on activated charcoal canisters and track-etch detectors, with electrets being a possible third option. It was further concluded that the appropriate measurement protocol should utilise two detectors, deployed simultaneously on the two main floors of the building, for one week (or exact multiples thereof), and that periods of exceptional meteorological conditions should be either avoided or allowed for by adjustment of the normally-indicated temporal correction factor. House conditions should be maintained as close as possible to normal long-term conditions during the measurement period. The need for further UK data on short-term temporal variations, and on extrapolation to annual average radon concentrations, was emphasised. (author)