How to Use Geiger Counters to Detect Radiation in Household Products

Geiger counters are one of the basic devices you now need in the modern times. Due to extreme radiation activity around us, the possibility of developing cancer and other malfunctions in the body caused by radiation exposure increases dramatically.To fully understand it all, are specialized devices that detect radiation of different levels in the environment. It's most commonly used as a household gadget but there are also other powerful Geiger counters but it's often sued on heavy equipment and big places, not homes and offices.

There are different kinds of and different capabilities of detecting radiation. There are some that are equipped with a thin, mica window that are capable of detecting radiation from 14C and 35S/

But all over, counters are equipped with speakers that release "clicking" or "beeping" sounds to attract your attention. But that's not what it all does;it's actually a signal that your devices are detecting radiation.

Radiation of different levels triggers different random clicks to signify that your Geiger counter is detecting radiation. Cosmic rays and even thorium in bricks can be detected and give off random clicks when detected by the device. Normal background radiation ranges from 30 to 50 counts per minute (cpm) or 0.03 to about 0.07 milliroentgens per hour (mR/h).

Here are some important guidelines to know how to use your Geiger counters to detect radiation in your household.

1. When you purchase your counter, it comes with an instruction booklet and manual. Make sure to read it properly and familiarize yourself with the device.

2. Make sure that the device is full charged. To ensure that check the device by setting the selector switch to "battery check" or by pressing the "battery test" button. Then the needle will tell you if it's charged. If low batteries, replace it.

3. Make sure that your device is "Switched On" before trying to venture and possible radiation sources in your household. Some may be "saturated" when exposed to high radiation fields resulting in false negative readings.

4. To detect Beta radiations try measuring it by end of the window. Make sure to remove the cap before measuring. Gamma and/or x-ray radiation should be measured through the side of the probe.

5. The clicking sound actually reacts first before you can see a reading on your Geiger counter. It is important to move the probe slowly within 1 to 2 cm of the area being surveyed. It is important to avoid contaminating the probe.

6. For a more stable reading, reset the device and measure once again.

7. After getting the reading, turn of the device to conserve the batteries.