What is the most common method for measuring radon levels?

Time-integrated sampling is widely recognized as the most common method for measuring radon levels because it provides a reliable assessment over a specified duration. This method involves collecting air samples for a prolonged period, typically ranging from a few days to several months, allowing for the capture of radon fluctuations that can occur due to changes in environmental conditions or building occupancy.

By integrating the radon concentration over time, this sampling method offers an average radon level that is more representative of the long-term exposure risks, which is essential for understanding health implications. This is in contrast to methods like continuous monitoring or real-time monitoring, which, while valuable for certain applications, may not accurately reflect the long-term exposure that can occur in residential or work environments. Grab-sampling is limited in that it provides only a single measurement at a specific moment, which does not account for variations in radon levels over time. Therefore, for comprehensive assessments as mandated in numerous health guidelines, time-integrated sampling is favored for its effectiveness in providing a holistic view of radon exposure.