Which type of radon measurement device uses activated charcoal?

The type of radon measurement device that uses activated charcoal is the carbon absorption detector (CAD). Activated charcoal is effective because it can adsorb radon gas and its decay products, allowing for the measurement of radon levels in indoor environments over a specified exposure period.

This device relies on the basic principle of adsorption, where radon gas molecules adhere to the surface of the activated charcoal, and after the exposure time, the charcoal is analyzed to determine the concentration of radon. The ability of activated charcoal to capture radon makes the CAD a reliable choice for measuring radon levels.

While other types of detectors are used for radon measurement, they utilize different technologies. For instance, an alpha-track detector employs a plastic film that tracks the alpha particles emitted by radon decay, while a continuous radon monitor uses electrical sensors to provide real-time measurements. Passive radon detectors can include various materials, but they do not specifically rely on activated charcoal in the same manner as carbon absorption detectors.