with measurements such as PM2.5, VOCs, carbon dioxide, temperature, and
humidity. These devices can help homeowners understand indoor air conditions
and monitor changes over time.Radon deserves special attention because it is a radioactive gas that cannot
be seen or smelled. It can enter homes from the soil and accumulate indoors.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes be
tested for radon, regardless of where they are located in the country.
EPA guidance
recommends taking action to reduce radon when levels reach 4 pCi/L or higher.
1A combination monitor can be especially useful for homeowners who want one
device to track radon as well as common indoor air-quality indicators.
However, a consumer monitor should not be treated as a replacement for
appropriate radon testing or professional evaluation when elevated levels
are detected.
Best Radon and Air Quality Monitors at a Glance
| Monitor | Best For | Radon | PM2.5 | CO2 | VOCs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airthings View Plus | Best Overall | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ecosense EcoQube | Best Smart Radon Monitor | Yes | Depends on model | Depends on model | Depends on model |
| Airthings View Radon | Best Radon-Focused Monitor | Yes | No | No | No |
| Airthings Corentium Home | Portable Radon Monitoring | Yes | No | No | No |
| uHoo Smart Air Monitor + Radon Solution | Advanced Indoor Monitoring | Depending on configuration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sensor combinations vary by product and model generation. Always check the
specifications for the exact device before purchasing.
1. Airthings View Plus
Best Overall Radon and Air Quality Monitor
The Airthings View Plus is one of the most comprehensive consumer monitors
for homeowners who want radon and general indoor air-quality measurements
in a single device.
It combines radon monitoring with PM2.5, carbon dioxide, VOCs, temperature,
humidity, and atmospheric pressure measurements. This makes it particularly
useful for homeowners who want to monitor multiple indoor pollutants without
installing several separate devices.
Its connected features also make it useful for tracking changes over time.
Instead of looking at one isolated measurement, homeowners can examine trends
and determine whether indoor conditions change after activities such as
cooking, cleaning, ventilation changes, or operating an air purifier.
Best for: Homeowners wanting radon plus comprehensive indoor
air-quality monitoring.
Key advantage: Combines radon, PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, temperature,
and humidity monitoring in one system.
2. Ecosense EcoQube
Best Smart Radon Monitor
Ecosense produces dedicated radon-monitoring devices designed for continuous
measurement. The EcoQube is particularly attractive to homeowners who want
connected radon monitoring and historical data.
Continuous radon monitoring can be useful because radon concentrations can
change over time. A connected monitor can make it easier to observe daily
and longer-term patterns rather than relying only on a single short-term
measurement.
Check the exact EcoQube model before buying because sensor capabilities and
additional air-quality measurements can vary.
Best for: Homeowners who primarily want smart, continuous
radon monitoring.
Key advantage: Continuous radon measurements with connected
monitoring features.
3. Airthings View Radon
Best Radon-Focused Monitor
If radon is your primary concern and you do not need a large collection of
air-quality sensors, a dedicated radon monitor can make more sense than a
comprehensive indoor air-quality system.
The Airthings View Radon focuses primarily on radon monitoring while also
providing environmental information such as temperature and humidity.
This makes it a good option for placing in a basement, lower level, or other
area where you specifically want to monitor radon.
Best for: Homeowners primarily concerned about radon.
Key advantage: Dedicated radon monitoring without paying
for a large collection of unrelated sensors.
4. Airthings Corentium Home
Best Portable Radon Monitor
The Airthings Corentium Home is designed for homeowners who want a portable
radon monitor that can be moved between different areas of a home.
Its portable design can be useful when comparing radon levels between a
basement, ground floor, and other occupied areas.
A portable monitor can also be useful after radon mitigation work when you
want to observe whether readings remain lower over time.
Best for: Portable and room-to-room radon monitoring.
Key advantage: Portable design focused on radon measurement.
5. uHoo Smart Air Monitor
Best for Advanced Indoor Air Monitoring
uHoo is designed for users who want detailed information about indoor
environmental conditions. Its platform can monitor multiple indoor air
parameters, including particulate matter, carbon dioxide, VOCs, temperature,
and humidity, with radon depending on the configuration or additional
monitoring solution used.
This type of system is best suited to homeowners who want extensive indoor
air-quality information rather than a simple radon detector.
Best for: Advanced indoor environmental monitoring.
Key advantage: Extensive indoor air-quality measurements
with connected monitoring.
Why Monitor Radon at Home?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced from uranium in soil,
rock, and groundwater. It can enter buildings through cracks and openings in
floors and walls, gaps around pipes, construction joints, and other pathways.
2
Radon cannot be detected by smell, sight, or taste. Testing is therefore the
only practical way to determine whether a home has elevated radon levels.
3
EPA estimates that radon exposure contributes to about 21,000 lung cancer
deaths in the United States each year and identifies radon as the second
leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. 4
What Is the EPA Radon Action Level?
EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon when the measured level is
4 pCi/L (150 Bq/m³) or higher.
EPA also recommends considering radon reduction when levels are between
2 and 4 pCi/L because there is no known completely safe level
of radon exposure. 5
| Radon Level | General EPA Guidance |
|---|---|
| Below 2 pCi/L | Continue monitoring/testing as appropriate |
| 2–4 pCi/L | Consider reducing radon |
| 4 pCi/L or higher | EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon |
These values are EPA guidance for U.S. homes and should not be interpreted
as meaning that levels below 4 pCi/L are completely risk-free.
Why Combine Radon and Air Quality Monitoring?
Radon is only one component of indoor air quality. A home can have low radon
while still having elevated particulate matter, VOCs, or carbon dioxide.
A combination monitor can therefore provide a broader picture of the indoor
environment.
- Radon: Monitors radioactive radon gas.
- PM2.5: Tracks fine airborne particles.
- CO2: Provides information about ventilation and occupancy.
- VOCs: Helps identify changes associated with volatile chemicals.
- Temperature: Tracks indoor thermal conditions.
- Humidity: Helps monitor moisture conditions.
Radon Monitor vs. Air Quality Monitor
| Feature | Radon Monitor | General Air Quality Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Measures radon | Yes | Only specific models |
| Measures PM2.5 | Usually no | Many models |
| Measures CO2 | Usually no | Many models |
| Measures VOCs | Usually no | Many models |
| Best for | Radon monitoring | Overall indoor air quality |
Where Should You Place a Radon Monitor?
Radon is often most concentrated in the lowest occupied level of a home.
EPA recommends testing the lowest level that is suitable for occupancy, such
as a basement or ground floor. 6
For general radon testing, follow the monitor or test kit’s placement
instructions carefully. EPA guidance for short-term testing recommends
keeping the device away from drafts, high heat, high humidity, exterior
walls, and areas where it could be disturbed. 7
Basement
A basement is often a useful location for radon monitoring because radon
enters buildings from the ground and concentrations can be higher in lower
levels.
Ground Floor
If the basement is not occupied, the lowest frequently occupied level may
be a more useful location for monitoring the air where people spend time.
How Do Radon Monitors Work?
Continuous radon monitors use a radiation-detection method to estimate the
concentration of radon and its decay products in indoor air.
Unlike a simple passive charcoal test, a continuous monitor can provide
repeated measurements and show changes over time.
This can help homeowners understand whether radon readings remain elevated,
fluctuate substantially, or change after ventilation or mitigation work.
Continuous Radon Monitor vs. Radon Test Kit
| Feature | Continuous Monitor | Short-Term Test Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time or frequent readings | Yes | No |
| Historical trends | Usually | Usually no |
| Portable | Many models | Yes |
| Useful for ongoing monitoring | Yes | Limited |
| Laboratory analysis | No, depending on device | Often yes |
A continuous monitor is particularly useful for ongoing observation, while
a properly conducted radon test is an important part of determining whether
a home has elevated radon. EPA recommends using appropriate testing
procedures and considering additional or professional testing when elevated
readings are found. 8
Can a Radon Monitor Replace a Professional Radon Test?
Not necessarily. A consumer continuous radon monitor can be valuable for
ongoing monitoring, but homeowners should follow EPA and state guidance when
evaluating elevated readings.
If a monitor indicates elevated radon, consider confirming the result with
an appropriate long-term or short-term test or by consulting a qualified
radon professional. EPA specifically advises that elevated monitor readings
may warrant additional testing or professional consultation. 9
How to Choose the Best Radon and Air Quality Monitor
1. Make Sure It Actually Measures Radon
Many indoor air-quality monitors measure PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, temperature, and
humidity but do not measure radon. If radon is important to you, verify that
radon is explicitly listed among the device’s sensors.
2. Look for Continuous Monitoring
Continuous monitoring allows you to observe changes instead of relying on
one isolated measurement.
3. Check the Measurement Unit
U.S. radon monitors commonly report results in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
Some devices also display becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³).
4. Consider Historical Data
Historical graphs can help you understand whether radon levels are stable,
increasing, or fluctuating.
5. Consider Additional Air Sensors
If you want a single device for broader indoor monitoring, consider a model
that also measures PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, temperature, and humidity.
6. Check Connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity can be useful for remote monitoring and long-term data
storage. A display-only monitor may be sufficient if you prefer a simpler
setup.
Are Radon Monitors Accurate?
Radon-monitor performance depends on the sensor technology, placement,
environmental conditions, measurement duration, and the individual device.
A single short reading should not automatically be treated as definitive.
Longer measurement periods can provide a more useful picture of average
conditions.
EPA’s guidance emphasizes following proper testing procedures and considering
additional testing when elevated levels are identified. 10
How Long Should You Monitor Radon?
The appropriate testing duration depends on the purpose of the measurement.
EPA guidance recognizes short-term testing of at least 48 hours and also
recommends longer-term testing when appropriate. 11
Continuous monitors are useful when you want to observe changes over days,
weeks, months, or longer rather than relying on a single measurement period.
Can Air Purifiers Remove Radon?
Standard air purifiers are not a solution for removing radon gas from a
home. Radon mitigation normally requires controlling the entry of radon
from the soil and venting it outside using an appropriately designed system.
EPA recommends using qualified radon-reduction professionals when elevated
radon levels require mitigation. Proper mitigation systems can substantially
reduce indoor radon concentrations. 12
Can a Radon Monitor Detect Carbon Monoxide?
No. Radon and carbon monoxide are different pollutants and require different
detection technologies.
A radon monitor should never be used as a replacement for a certified carbon
monoxide alarm.
Can a Radon Monitor Detect Mold?
No. Radon monitors cannot identify mold. If you are concerned about mold,
investigate moisture, leaks, condensation, visible growth, and indoor
humidity.
Can a Radon Monitor Detect PM2.5?
Only some combination monitors can measure both radon and PM2.5. A dedicated
radon monitor generally does not measure fine particulate matter.
If you want both measurements in one device, verify that the product
specifications explicitly list PM2.5 alongside radon.
What Should I Do if My Radon Monitor Shows 4 pCi/L or Higher?
Do not ignore a consistently elevated reading. EPA recommends taking action
to reduce radon when a home has a radon level of 4 pCi/L or higher.
13
- Review the monitor’s placement and operating instructions.
- Continue or perform appropriate radon testing.
- Consider confirming elevated readings with an appropriate test.
- Contact a qualified radon professional when appropriate.
- Install a suitable radon mitigation system if elevated radon is confirmed.
- Retest after mitigation to verify that levels have been reduced.
Final Verdict
The Airthings View Plus is one of the best choices for
homeowners who want a single device capable of monitoring radon and several
major indoor air-quality indicators, including PM2.5, CO2, and VOCs.
If radon is your primary concern, a dedicated monitor such as the
Airthings View Radon or Airthings Corentium Home
may make more sense. The Ecosense EcoQube is another option
for homeowners who want connected, continuous radon monitoring.
The most important point is that radon monitoring should not be confused with
general air-quality monitoring. A monitor that measures PM2.5 or VOCs does not
necessarily detect radon. If you want protection from radon, choose a device
that specifically measures radon and follow appropriate testing and
mitigation guidance.
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About the Author
ManBearPig is a part-man, part-bear, part-pig creature and a full-time expert on global warming—mostly because he has personally experienced the consequences of being extremely, extremely, super cereal.
When he isn’t roaming the wilderness, terrorizing unsuspecting humans, or demanding that people take climate change seriously, ManBearPig studies rising temperatures, melting ice, extreme weather, carbon emissions, and other inconvenient signs that the planet may not be particularly happy with us.
His research philosophy is simple:
“I’m super cereal.”
ManBearPig believes climate change is too important to discuss without facts—and too ridiculous to discuss without a little humor. Through this website, he explores global warming, climate science, environmental changes, energy, and the strange ways humans respond when their own planet starts sending them warning signals.
He has no university degree, no laboratory, and absolutely no intention of becoming a respectable academic.
But he does have hooves, claws, a snout, and an unusually strong opinion about melting ice.
