I'm going to be living near a nuclear power plant, and was interested
in obtaining a radiation detector.  In searching around, I've come
across three possible devices - Raditect, GM-10, or GM-45 Geiger
Counter / Radiation Detector and Software.  I'd like a detailed
analysis of these devices, the science behind these devices (in
english), and their actual utility, especially in respect to detecting
leakage from a nuclear power plant.  Which one would you recommend, or is
there another device (less than $300) that might be better?  Assuming I
purchased one of the detectors, at what level of radiation exposure
would I need to be concerned for possible effects to health?
 
I've already read the information from the respective websites that
sell these devices - don't cut and paste; I need somebody who has
actual scientific expertise in this area to answer.   Comments are
otherwise welcome.

markbyrn,

just some comments for your consideration.  Radiation exposure is
dependent on distance, time and whether you have shielding or not.

took a quick look at the 3 products specs you mentioned.
Raditec is handy-dandy but can only detect 1 form of radiation which
is gamma.
While GM-45 can detect alpha, beta, gamma and x-ray (no point
considering GM-10 since you have GM-45 in your sights, GM-45 advantage
over GM-10 is that it has a wider detection window i.e. it is more
likely to pick up radioactive signals as compared to GM-10).

The effective window for Raditec is also very small about 4.83mm
diameter compared to GM-45's 44.5mm diameter.  Please note such
detectors are only effective if the window is pointed to the source of
radiation.

Also Raditec is a generic (i.e. SHD device - See-here-dummy), the
sensitivity setting is controlled by the manufacturer, with pre-set
alarm levels.  While this is good for generic purposes, it might not
be okay for folks living around nuclear plants as your ambient
radiation level is likely to be higher than other places (higher does
not neccessarily mean that it is too dangerous) but am not too sure
how the raditec would behave, i.e. it might keep reporting certain
levels of radiation that you might get too concerned or worse you get
too tuned to its constant beeping that you might ignore it later.  The
other advantage of GM-45 is that it would be able to give quantitative
figures which you could then use to take issue with whatever
authorities i.e. you have a measurement that you could argue with
other folks about.

the obvious disadvantage of GM-45 is that you have to learn a little
bit more to use it effectively otherwise there would be features in
them that you paid for that you will never use.

I am not sure you really need a geiger counter (which in my opinion
sometimes create more fear than neccessary for the uninitiated, i.e.
the constant cackling can sometimes get on people's nerve).  I think
there might be other more suitable solutions for people living around
the N-plants, I thought it would be the responsibility of the N-plant
company to ensure the safety of folks living near to them (i.e. within
a specific distance where you are at high risk if their safety
measures and facilities fail to contain any nuclear mishaps) - i would
have thought the authorities would require some form of alarm system
to be installed such that all families can be quickly informed of
pending disaster.  Regular independent safety checks of N-plants
facilities is compulsory and i strongly believe that you should gather
the community of folks around the area to insist that authorities
ensure this is carried out and the reports made public to the
community.

having detectors in home does not cut it really, i.e. by the time the
detectors scream, the radiation is already at your home, could be a
little too late then. I personally don't see a point in spending money
to buy some form of false security.

I would suggest as a search term

"Personal dosimeter"

 Often this is a strip of film (which personnel wears in a badge),
which is
 evaluated from time to time and dose is compared to health standards.

 I would talk to the PR people at your plant (plant provides this
service
 to their personnel) but there are independent labs running this
service
e.g. for medical workers. Without such a service you would have to
study
 health standards  (safe exposure) and dosimetry yourself.

There also are 'alarming dosimeters' .

You may inspect the directory 
http://dmoz.org/Science/Instruments_and_Supplies/Radiation_Measurement/Monitors_and_Dosimeters/

for example http://www.LaurusSystems.com/products/Dosimeters_and_Readers.htm
which shows variety of products.

I agree with hedgie-ga's comment about talking to the plant's PR
people. However, it's unlikely they'll offer anything very practical
since that could be seen as admitting there's a real risk.

I work with a number of ex BNFL (British Nuclear Fuels) people, and
they point out that their maximum annual dosage was about a 10th of
what they'd get on a single trans-atlantic flight!

Ian G.

No detector (especially the raditect) for under $300 is worth much
unless you understand the details, so you are on the right track
finding out more. At best the count is only a rough estimate of the
hazzard. You can try the detector in various locations, to learn the
typical count. If it doubles, mild concern is in order.  Neil

In my opinion, it'd be more prudent to establish the risk due to
radiation before moving into the neighborhood. In the unlikely event
that there is a radiological disaster, if you detect lethal levels at
your home, it'll be too late.

There is a special section in local telephone directories in areas
around nuclear power plants with quite a bit of information including
evacuation plans.
There are alarm sirens installed throughout a 10-mile perimeter of
nuclear plants.

Perhaps the most realistic precaution a civilian can take is to have
potassium iodide on hand for you and your family.  See www.ki4u.com