We have been busy updating the RAD8's firmware, and are excited to announce a new feature: 'always-valid' thoron data. Whereas in the past, it was always necessary to ensure that the instrument's pump was running continuously in order to obtain valid thoron readings, with the RAD8 it is now possible to view valid thoron data for any data file, whether the pump was running in 'standard' or 'on' mode. It has traditionally been assumed that the radiation risk from breathing indoor air is dominated by the decay chain of radon (radon-222), but increasingly, the importance of thoron (radon-220) and its short-lived progeny is being recognised. Now, for the first time, RAD8 reveals thoron alongside radon with no special setup required, for example as part of a standard 48-hour EPA radon test.
Good Reads
Earlier this year, long-time collaborator and friend of Durridge, Professor Henrietta Dulai from the University of Hawai'i took a RAD8 to Rapa Nui (Easter Island) to investigate coastal groundwater resources on the island. We have published a short write-up of her work as a case study, which you can read on our website here: "Is Coastal Groundwater Still a Viable Resource?"
Did You Know?
Waste material from uranium mining in the form of 'uranium tailings ponds' emanate radon, which if not properly contained can pose a threat to the health of people living nearby. Red clay is often used to cap such sites and contain the radon, and treating it with a solution of calcium chloride (CaCl2) increases the density and strength of the material, improving its ability to 'self-heal' after cracking. In a recent paper, researchers at the University of South China and Shenzhen University used a RAD7 to determine the efficacy of red clay capping material treated with varying concentrations of CaCl2, and determined that a 3% concentration gave the best radon-blocking performace. Read the paper (subscription required)
Introducing Capture 8 Pro
Going forward, Durridge's Capture software will be available in two versions: Capture 8 Pro and Capture 8 Lite. The Lite edition is provided free of charge, and it includes the features found in previous Capture releases, in addition to basic support for the RAD8. However RAD8 users are encouraged to upgrade to Capture Pro, which offers a host of powerful new features, unlocking the amazing potential of the RAD8. This new edition of Capture is offered at a single non-recurring price of $1,200. A Capture Pro purchase covers an entire organization, and minor version updates are provided at no extra charge.
A time-limited beta version of Capture 8 Pro is now available for all users to try. To purchase a Capture Pro license, please contact sales@durridge.com.
Global Reach
Live in Scandinavia? Our sales partner Radonova has all your radon measurement needs covered. Live in Japan? Get in touch with our sales partner ProTech Inc. to place an order today. Find them both under the 'Buy' tab on our website, or by clicking here.
Share our newsletter with your colleagues on social media.
Email us with topics you'd like to learn more about to info@durridge.com
Durridge Company Inc., 900 Technology Park Drive, Billerica, MA 01821, United States, (978) 667-9556
.png)
