The radioactive gas radon decomposes into decay products, which are also radioactive. The short-lived decomposition products can subsequently adhere to dust particles (aerosols) in the room air, which cause them to be inhaled by humans. Once the radioactive particles are in the lungs, some particles are deposited in the lungs. The radon gas itself is largely exhaled unchanged.

So it is not radon itself that poses the greatest danger, but its decay products. The inhaled radioactive particles emit high-energy, ionising radiation during decay, which can directly damage the lung tissue. This promotes and promotes the development of lung cancer.  

How high is the risk of lung cancer?
Population studies show that the risk of lung cancer is directly related to the level of radon gas concentration in the ambient air. In the fresh air the risk is very low, because the radon thins quickly. In buildings, on the other hand, the gas often accumulates in the lower rooms, which can lead to alarming concentrations.

Do smokers have an increased risk?
Smokers generally have an increased risk of lung cancer. About 90% of all lung cancer deaths are due to smoking. Studies also show that smokers are also particularly susceptible to the harmful potential of radon. Most radon-related deaths occur in smokers. The following table shows the relationship between radon concentration and the amount of cigarettes smoked:

Table: Risk of dying of lung cancer up to the age of 75 years

*) 15-24 cigarettes daily

Further information can be found here:

The Radon Eye can be operated with or without a smartphone, as the most important measured values are shown on the display. This includes, for example, the measured maximum value (peak), the total measurement duration of the current measurement series and a long-term average value.

However, you will get more detailed data when using the smartphone app. Your smartphone or tablet must meet the following system requirements:

- Bluetooth 4.0 or higher

- Android 4.3 or higher

- IOS 8.0 or higher

We at Radonshop. com have tested the new radon measuring device RadonEye for you. This device is the latest development from FTLAB - a well-known manufacturer of innovative and high-quality radiation measuring devices. In our test we will show you the advantages and disadvantages of this device and tell you for whom this product is particularly suitable.

Unboxing and first impressions

The RadonEye is delivered in a white cardboard box in which the radon measuring device is safely stored. Special holders inside the carton ensure that the measuring device arrives safely at the customer's address, even when it is sent by post. Inside the box is the radon monitor, its power supply, a 12-volt USB cable, a small manual and a quick reference guide. There is also a certificate about the successful calibration of the measuring device. The fact is that every RadonEye meter has been tested by the manufacturer and calibrated according to international standards before it is sold. We already find this circumstance great, because we can start with the measurements right away - and with great certainty we will get very precise measurement values.

After unpacking, we turn to the RadonEye itself. What can the device do and how well is it processed? On the first impression we like the RadonEye very much. It is about 12 cm high and has a diameter of 7.5 cm. The design is visually reminiscent of an I-Phone. With a weight of 300 grams, the RadonEye has the ideal weight; not too heavy to transport and yet heavy enough to stand securely. Rubber feet on the underside of the device further increase the stability. A small colour display on the top side shows a clearly legible blue and orange-coloured text after connecting the power supply unit. The readability of the measured values on the display is excellent in both darkness and light.

The scope of delivery:

Radon measuring device RadonEye

12-volt power supply unit

12-volt USB cable (for external battery/power bank)

Manual, Quick Start Guide

Certificate of calibration

First commissioning

power supply

As already described, the RadonEye is operated with a 12-volt power supply unit, which means that the device cannot be carried around as you please. Due to the power supply, the RadonEye relies on a wall socket and is therefore only suitable for measurements in rooms with a corresponding power supply. However, we did not want to accept this: That's why when you buy the RadonEye, we'll include a 12-volt USB cable with which you can connect an external battery/power bank at any time. The cable is able to raise the voltage of a 5-volt power bank to 12 volts, so that the RadonEye can be easily operated with such a power bank. This measure increases the mobility of the measuring device enormously, so that radon measurements are now also possible outdoors or in remote locations. External rechargeable batteries can be found almost everywhere cheap in electronics shops. You can buy a Powerbank there for only a few euros.

Start procedure and display

So, now we have connected the power supply and see that the RadonEye starts up. This process takes about 20-30 seconds. Then the colour display lights up and the RadonEye starts with the first measurements. The display is preset to Bq/m3, but can also be set to pCi/l. The lower part of the display also shows other values alternately, which would be important for a longer measurement. This includes, for example, the measured peak value, the total duration of the current measurement series and a long-term average value. A particularly positive feature is that all important values are displayed automatically. Therefore there are no further control buttons on the RadonEye. The device is therefore very easy to operate and there are no components attached to the housing which could wear out or break over time. But even without operating buttons, you can display the measured values exactly and with time resolution - with the corresponding smartphone app.

smartphone app

The smartphone app "RadonEye" belongs to this device and can be downloaded free of charge for Android and iOS. To get to the app, we just had to sign up at the playstore or appstore. Under the term "RadonEye" it could be found quickly. The software is installed after about 3-4 seconds. Since the app is only 2 MB in size, it ran smoothly on all our devices (smartphone and tablet). If you do not have a smartphone or tablet, you can easily read the measured values from the RadonEye display. However, the app improves the display and some data is available to help you find out more.