How often must a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM) read the radon levels?

Continuous Radon Monitors (CRMs) are designed to provide real-time monitoring of radon levels in indoor environments. The frequency with which a CRM takes readings is crucial for accurately assessing radon exposure over time. A CRM typically takes measurements every hour, which allows for a more nuanced understanding of radon levels throughout the day and night.

This hourly data collection helps to identify fluctuations in radon concentration that might occur due to changes in ventilation, weather, or other factors influencing indoor air quality. By capturing these variations, a more accurate average radon level can be calculated over the measurement period, providing essential information for risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

Measurement intervals shorter than one hour may lead to an overwhelming amount of data, which can complicate interpretation without significantly improving the accuracy of average radon concentration figures. Conversely, longer intervals, such as daily or every four hours, would not capture necessary short-term variations and could result in underestimating or overestimating radon exposure risks.

Thus, the hourly reading capability of CRMs is key to both immediate monitoring and thorough data analysis for effective radon management.