Radiation Monitoring Equipment: What Homeowners Should Know About Ludlum Instruments
Understanding Radiation Monitoring at Home
Most homeowners never expect to deal with radiation but situations like home inspections, environmental concerns, old building materials, or nearby industrial sites can raise questions about radiation safety. When peace of mind matters, having reliable, easy-to-use radiation monitoring equipment can help you understand what’s in your environment and whether levels are safe.
At Environmental Equipment & Supply (EE+S), we rent trusted Ludlum Instruments radiation detectors used across the country for accurate monitoring of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Whether you need a unit for a single day or a longer-term project, EES makes professional-grade monitoring accessible for homeowners.
Why Choose Ludlum Radiation Detectors?
Ludlum Instruments is one of the most recognized names in radiation detection. Their devices are known for being:
- Accurate
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Trusted by environmental and safety professionals worldwide
EES carries a variety of Ludlum meters and probes designed to detect different types of radiation, perfect for homeowners who want dependable results without needing a technical background.
We also carry check sources, which help verify your instrument is functioning correctly between annual calibrations.
Radiation Types Explained (Simple and Homeowner-Friendly)
Before choosing a detector, here’s what each radiation type means:
- Alpha radiation – Can be blocked by paper or skin, but dangerous if inhaled or ingested.
- Beta radiation – Travels farther than alpha; can penetrate skin.
- Gamma radiation – Travels long distances and requires sensitive equipment to detect.
Ludlum’s detectors make it easy for homeowners to understand what type of radiation they may be dealing with and whether additional steps are needed.
Ludlum Radiation Monitoring Equipment Available for Rent
Below are the most popular Ludlum models available in EES’s rental fleet. Each unit is designed for simple, reliable field use.
Ludlum Model 3 (with optional 44-9 Pancake Probe)
A homeowner-friendly, general-purpose radiation survey meter ideal for checking surfaces, materials, and small areas around the house.
Great for detecting:
- Alpha
- Beta
- Gamma
Why homeowners like it:
The Model 44-9 “pancake probe” offers wide, sensitive detection, making it ideal for quick scans of basements, antiques, building materials, or household items.
Ludlum Model 19
A compact gamma radiation detector often used for locating elevated radiation levels quickly.
Best for:
Checking soil, rock, older building materials, or locations where gamma radiation may be present.
Key benefit:
Fast response time for quick “walk-around” assessments.
Ludlum Model 9
A high-range ion chamber survey meter designed for situations where you need to detect higher levels of gamma or X-ray radiation.
Suitable for homeowners when:
You need to check areas near medical equipment, industrial sites, or older properties with unknown histories.
Ludlum Model 2221 (with 44-10 Probe)
A versatile scaler/ratemeter that supports multiple probe types.
Paired with the Model 44-10 scintillation probe, it becomes an extremely sensitive tool for detecting low-level gamma radiation.
Ideal for:
Homeowners who need highly accurate readings for environmental testing or property assessments.
Ludlum Model 2929 (with 43-10-1 Probe)
A device designed for low-background alpha and beta counting.
Why it matters:
If you’re testing certain surfaces, dust, or residues for contamination, this device offers dependable measurements.
Ludlum Model 2360 (with 43-89 Probe)
A portable scaler designed for detecting low-level alpha and beta radiation with high sensitivity.
Paired with the Model 43-89 probe, it performs well for home testing situations where precision is important.
How to Choose the Right Detector
If you’re not sure which detector you need, here’s a simple guide:
- Concerned about general household items, surfaces, or materials?
Choose Model 3 with the 44-9 pancake probe - Checking outdoor areas, soil, or structural materials for gamma radiation?
Choose the Model 19 - Need to measure higher gamma levels or near medical/industrial sources?
Choose the Model 9 - Need extremely sensitive gamma detection?
Choose Model 2221 with 44-10 - Need alpha/beta contamination testing?
Choose Model 2360 or 2929 with the appropriate probes
Still unsure? EES can help you evaluate your situation and recommend the right unit.
Why Rent from Environmental Equipment & Supply?
Homeowners trust us because:
- We offer daily, weekly, and monthly rentals.
- Our staff has an average of 15 years of experience in the industry.
- Every unit is inspected, calibrated, and ready to use.
- We also provide check sources to confirm your instrument is reading correctly.
- We’re a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB).
Our goal is to make radiation monitoring accessible and stress-free for homeowners.
Get Reliable Radiation Monitoring Equipment with Confidence
Whether you’re testing an older property, checking building materials, or simply looking for peace of mind, Ludlum radiation detectors offer accurate, trustworthy results for homeowners.
Environmental Equipment & Supply is here to help you find the right tool and ensure you feel confident using it.
Ready to rent Ludlum radiation monitoring equipment?
Contact Environmental Equipment & Supply today. Our team will help you choose the right detector and answer any questions you have about radiation safety at home.