Airthings, indoor air quality specialists and experts in radon, announces the UK availability of its Wave Plus smart radon, CO2 and TVOCs detector with temperature, humidity and air pressure sensors.
We exercise, watch what we eat, protect our children from toxins and overall try to take steps to living a healthier life. But what about the air we are breathing in our offices, schools, homes and other public places? Airthings, indoor air quality specialists and experts in radon, announces the UK availability of its Wave Plus smart radon, CO2 and TVOCs detector with temperature, humidity and air pressure sensors.
Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas formed by the radioactive decay of the small amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils. It cannot be seen, smelt or tasted. The radon level in the air we breathe outside is very low but can rise to high levels when trapped indoors.
Radon exposure claims the lives of approximately 1,100 British people each year, more than three times the number of deaths attributed annually to house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning combined. The dangerous gas is present in every home nationwide, to varying degrees based on climate, ventilation levels, time of year and a variety of other factors. The most common type of radon test kit used today is based on charcoal or film canisters, which only provide a short-term measurement (days) and require being sent to a lab for analysis where a charge would apply. This is problematic, as radon levels fluctuate significantly over time. Airthings Wave fundamentally changes the way radon is measured by using digital sensors and smart home technology. This allows for the unique combination of real-time radon levels and long-term measurement, which is crucial for health and wellness.
It is now known that long-term exposure to radon gas causes severe damage to DNA, leading to genetic mutations that can drive cells towards cancer. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Furthermore, people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, which is why Airthings believes that measuring IAQ is the most important step in preventing illness and improving health, while increasing productivity, and reducing energy consumption. Its mission is not only to make radon detection as ubiquitous as smoke detection, but to also make it simple and affordable for consumers to integrate the technology into their homes.
Wave Plus is the first wirelessly connected and battery-operated indoor air quality monitor with radon detection, designed for all populated spaces. The Airthings team developed Wave Plus so that everyone, at every age, can easily monitor radon levels in indoor air. Close-range motion in front of the device activates a simple visual indicator light, which turns green (Good), yellow (Warning) or red (Danger) to alert users of their home's air quality. A corresponding real-time status is accessible via the app, which connects via Bluetooth and catalogues short- and long-term data for a one-year period, at daily, weekly, monthly and annual increments.
Wave Plus also measures VOC's and CO2 whilst temperature and humidity sensors provide you with tools to monitor your comfort levels and the ultimate accuracy in radon readings by taking into account environmental factors. They also allow for early detection and watching humidity levels can help in assessing if mould may be a problem in the future. The free dashboard allows users to truly analyse the sensor data. In addition, customised tips are given to help improve overall air quality. This real-time data is an imperative and significant differentiator, as radon levels are dynamic and require continuous monitoring to determine potential impact
Additional product features include:
- Notifications: When Wave Plus detects high radon levels for a period exceeding national guidelines, when logged in, the user will be notified and receive recommendations on how to reduce radon in their home.
- Bluetooth: Airthings uses the latest Bluetooth technology to allow for seamless and automatic updates of sensor data. As long as the user has the app installed and regularly is within Bluetooth range of the device, their data will be updated.
- Easy installation: A wall-mounting plate installs easily with one screw; the device then attaches to the plate thanks to a powerful built-in magnet on the back of the device. Wave Plus is up and running in minutes with a quick pull of the battery tab, download of the free mobile app and connection via Bluetooth.
- Long battery life: Airthings Wave Plus is fully battery-powered and does not require hard wiring. The 2-AA batteries required to power the device will provide users with approximately 16 months of use.
“We are the market leader in radon detection, and have focused on radon for the past 10 years. For us, it is a natural progression to move into the broader air quality space,” said Oyvind Birkenes, CEO of Airthings. "We’re eager to empower people with awareness and understanding of the most dangerous indoor air pollutants and excited to announce an easy solution for people to monitor them in any populated space, either at work, school, or at home.”