Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive element that is found in abundance throughout the United States. Radon is a component in the decay of U-238. Because Radon is a gas, it can enter the atmosphere via cracks in the earth’s crust. Because of this, cellars are a common place to find Radon. Radon is the only radioactive gas in the natural environment. In the presence of radiation, other gases may become radioactive, but this is not their normal state.
To put it another way, because radon is flavourless and colourless, it is virtually undetectable by humans. Radon gas can only be detected using a radon test kit. On the internet, these kits are readily available. Radon test kit walmart are available for free in several areas. As a radioactive element, radon gas will dissipate over time. When an alpha particle is released, radon decays into polonium.
*Po-218 → Rn-222 = Alpha Particle
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The 86th element in the periodic table is radon gas. Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, and Xenon are the other members of the Noble Gas Elements family, which also includes Radon. Most of the time, the noble gases are unaffected by the presence of other elements or compounds around them. Radon has a half-life since it is inherently radioactive. An element’s half-life can be defined as the amount of time it takes to lose half of its radioactivity. The half-life of Radon is approximately 91 hours. By the time it takes four days, the radioactivity of radon gas will be reduced by around half. The decay of radon is not complete because radon is also being created at the same time.
To measure Radon Gas in the United States, picocuries/liter (pCi/L) are used. Radon concentrations above 2 pCi/L should be addressed to avoid health issues, said the EPA. A radon mitigation system can be installed in a home to fix radon problems. Normally, the gas is vented from the basement to the top of the home using this technique. Despite the fact that radon cannot be completely stopped, it can be controlled such that levels remain within a safe range.
In the United States, Rn-222 gas is cited as the second most common cause of lung cancer. There is no larger risk factor for this disease than smoking cigarettes. Rn-222 is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers.
*Radon Dangers
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The dangers of radon gas are not to be taken lightly. As uranium naturally decomposes, it releases radioactive gas that can be found in nearly all soils and rocks that contain the element. Radon may enter a house easily through cracks and gaps, and when it does, it raises the risk of lung cancer because of the increased concentration it creates in a contained environment.
Radon levels of 4.0 picocuries per litre (pCi/L) or higher require mitigation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s possible to get radon levels in a building down by installing a mitigation system. By extracting the radon from the basement or crawl space floor and pushing it outdoors, the EPA advises cleanup measures that prevent radon from entering the house. Sealing, house/room pressurisation, heat recovery ventilation, and natural ventilation are some of the additional radon mitigation measures.
According to Natural Life, as radon decomposes, it releases alpha particles in the form of radon daughters or offspring. The energy in alpha particles is absorbed on the surface of whatever they strike when they collide. Bronchial and lung tissue are vulnerable, while human skin is impervious. Because of the radiation and penetration of lung tissue by alpha particles, cancer cells can form in the lungs when you inhale them.
Small cracks in the rock and soil can let radon gas into a dwelling. According to Natural Life, the water seeps into the basement through the floor’s subfloor and the jack posts of the furnace if the base is immersed in the floor. It can also get into the basement through the floor’s subfloor and the jack posts of the furnace. When well water is used, it might enter the system and be released into the atmosphere. Basements and rooms near the ground tend to have the highest radon levels.
Radon poisoning is more common among smokers than nonsmokers. Radon gas accumulates under the canopy of tobacco leaves and tiny dust particles with radon daughters adhere to each leaf when tobacco crops are fertilised. Smokers inhale radon daughters every time they take a puff on a cigarette.
