What is Radon?
ra · don ( ra´don ) n. Symbol Rn A colorless, radioactive, inert gaseous element formed by disintegration of radium. Atomic number 86; atomic weight 222; melting point -71oC; boiling point -61.8oC; specific gravity (solid) 4; valence 0; half-life 3.823 days. Radon is a radioactive gas that arises from the natural radioactive decay of radium, which is a natural decay product of uranium. Scientifically, “radon” is known to be radon-222, the most abundant isotope of the element radon. The terms radon and radon-222 are often used interchangeably when referring to the indoor radon issue. As a noble gas, radon is colorless, odorless and chemically inert and cannot be detected by human senses. Also, since radon is not chemically reactive with most materials, it will move freely as a gas. Radon has a radiological half-life of 3.8 days, and can move substantial distances from its point of origin. The first four radioactive isotopes formed as radon decays are polonium-218, lead-214, bismuth-214
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you’re at high risk for developing lung cancer. Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage.
Radon is a tasteless, odorless, invisible gas that occurs naturally throughout the earth’s crust. It is a by-product of the breakdown of uranium in the soil, rock, and water. Over time, uranium will decay into lead. This process has fourteen steps, and radon is formed at the sixth step. This is especially unique, in that it is the first of the decay products which is a gas, not a solid. Radon is found in every state in America. Radon gas typically moves up through the ground to the air above, and can enter your home through cracks or other openings in your foundation. Radon which escapes into the air is not a problem, since it is quickly diluted. However, radon gas that enters your house can remain trapped there, especially during the winter months when windows and doors are kept closed.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is odorless and tasteless. It is formed from the radioactive decay of uranium. Uranium is found in small amounts in most rocks and soil. It slowly breaks down to other products such as radium, which breaks down to radon. Radon also undergoes radioactive decay. During the decay process, alpha, beta, and gamma radiation particles are released. Alpha particles can travel only a short distance and cannot travel through your skin. Beta particles can go through your skin, but they cannot go all the way through your body. Gamma radiation can go all the way through your body. Radon is no longer used to treat diseases such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and ulcers. Radon is used to predict earthquakes and in exploration for petroleum and uranium.
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You can’t see radon. And you can’t smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That’s because when you breathe air-containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high. The EPA recommends you test your home for radon, it’s easy and inexpensive. Fix your home if your radon level is 4 pico curies per liter(pCi/L) or higher. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases may be reduced. Since there is no known safe level of radon, there can always be some risk. But lowering the radon level in your home can reduce the risk. A variety of methods are used to reduce radon in your home. In some cases, sea
