RadNet Near-Real-Time Air Data From Houston, TX
This page contains hourly data transmitted from RadNet stationary air monitors to EPA’s National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL). All RadNet stations measure gamma radiation emitted from airborne radioactive particles as they collect on the monitor's filter. These data are posted below on the "Gamma Gross Count Rate" graph. Learn more about RadNet.
Some RadNet monitors also measure exposure rate, which indicates the level of gamma radiation in the vicinity of the monitor. Exposure rate data are posted below, if available.
To view individual hourly measurements, please search the RadNet database in EPA's Central Data Exchange or view the RadNet CSV File Download webpage.
View RadNet Air Filter Analysis Results from Houston, TX.
Gamma Gross Count Rate
RadNet stationary air monitors measure gamma radiation emitted from airborne radioactive particles as they collect on the monitor's filter. EPA uses RadNet monitors to track fluctuations in gamma gammaGamma rays come from many different radioactive elements, both natural and man-made. Gamma rays can penetrate several feet of concrete or a few inches of lead. Gamma rays can pose a serious health threat inside and outside the body and can be lethal depending on the amount received. Scientists use the properties of gamma rays to identify radioactive elements. radiation emitted from airborne radioactive particles at each of our sites. Tracking these changes over time gives a picture of the background (normal) levels and allows EPA scientists to detect any unusual changes.
You can see a more detailed view of gamma detection across nine different channel ranges in our Gamma Gross Count Rate (by Channel Range) Graph.
About the Gamma Gross Count Rate Graph
In an effort to make RadNet radiation data more understandable to the public and easier to compare with international data, EPA is adding exposure rate measurements to our other system capabilities. Exposure rate measurements indicate the level of radiation present per hour in the vicinity of the monitor.
Exposure Rate
About the Exposure Rate Graph
Air filters undergo three separate analytical processes, as illustrated below. Results from the initial near-real-time measurements of gamma radiation emitted from particulates (Step 1) are posted on the “Gamma Gross Count Rate” tab. Air Filter Analysis results (Steps 2 and 3) are reported below in the conventional unit of curies (Ci) per cubic meter of air. Learn more about curies and the international SI unit of becquerel (Bq).