Radon²²² is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that occurs in homes.  It is thought to be responsible for around 2,000 radon-induced lung cancer deaths each year in the UK (World Health Organisation) and 22,000 in the USA (Environmental Protection Agency).  After smoking, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The EPA and the Radon Council (the UK radon remediation industry regulatory body) hold the view that all homes and workplaces should be tested, while the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) recommends remediation over an average concentration of 200 Bq/m^-3.

KUmicro RADON is a radon metrology laboratory service based at Kingston University working in conjunction with Radon One UK (Ltd). We specialise in testing for radon gas using RadLab^© alpha track-etch detectors in domestic and commercial properties, including caves and mines.

Each detector is measured according to HPA protocols. The laboratory has been fully validated by the HPA and follows its quality control guidelines.

 

 

 

 

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  Facilities

This facility utilises a RadoSys system.  Our RSKS based alpha track detectors are smaller than a 35mm film canister and are easily posted.

The laboratory also has the facility to undertake real time radon testing utilising Rad7s, an approach that is being applied to research projects investigating the links between indoor atmospheric radon variations, tides and earthquakes.

In addition, the laboratory uses a Leica confocal microscope to obtain images for 2D and 3D assessment of structure, geometry and appearance of alpha tracks in RadLab© detectors.