Be Radon Aware with Wave by AirThings
Wave, a radon detector from AirThings is a potential life saving device that should be incorporated into more homes. Radon, which previously required special visits from professionals and advanced lab testing to identify, can now be measured with a simple device that looks like a smoke or carbon monoxide detector. With a simple interface, long term data tracking, and regional data grouping, the Wave is a great tool for those living in potentially hazardous areas.
Radon isn’t a term that’s thrown around a lot in the company of other potential dangers like smoke, carbon monoxide, or even lead poisoning. That’s probably because it’s a slow acting gas whose effects aren’t immediately obvious. However, radon is a large contributor to lung cancer, and is responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 people a year in the US alone. And while radon is a naturally occurring gas, its concentrations can vary over short periods of time based on weather conditions, soil movement, and other factors. For these reasons, it can be important to monitor radon exposure over time to understand what areas are at risk. Enter Wave.
The Wave radon detector tracks radon at its location, and can highlight when radon exposure is trending upward, and when it is in acceptable levels. Because higher levels of radon do not indicate an immediate danger, the alarm at dangerous levels is quickly dismissed with a wave of the hand, allowing users to address the issue by ventilating (or perhaps closing the windows, depending on the conditions). This data is tracked and presented in a smartphone app, allowing users to better understand the severity of their radon exposure.
Wave uses a simple traffic light system on the device itself to communicate radon levels. Waving a hand in front of the unit presents a red, yellow, or green light based on current radon levels. If things enter the danger zone, an audible alert will sound, and a notification can be triggered to pop up on user’s phones or tablets.
In addition to radon, the Wave also tracks temperature and humidity, for a holistic view of atmospheric conditions. It does all this while running off two standard AA batteries that should last upwards of two years between changes. Part of that longevity is due to the use of low energy Bluetooth, which means the Wave isn’t a WiFi connected device like most smart home gadgets. On the other hand, it also means that the Wave can be mounted virtually anywhere, thanks to a single-screw mounting plate and magnetic attachment.
It’s great to see AirThings make radon detection an accessible technology in 2019, especially given the seriousness of long term exposure. If you want to know more about radon, or which areas are at risk (you may be surprised), the AirThings website is the perfect place to start.
For more information, visit: www.airthings.com
Story by Thomas Bender