Radon is a chemical element with
the symbol Rn and atomic number 86. Radon is radioactive, colorless, odorless,
tasteless noble gas. It was first discovered by English physicist Ernest
Rutherford in 1899. Radon is chemically unreactive inert gas, reaction with
other compounds is rare but it is not completely inert and forms stable molecules
with highly electronegative materials. The atomic radius is 1.34 angstroms and it is
the heaviest known gas-radon is nine times denser than air. Radon is a single
atom gas which makes it easy for it to penetrate many common materials like
paper, leather, low density plastic, paints, building materials such as gypsum
board (sheetrock), concrete block, and most insulations. Radon is also fairly
soluble in water and organic solvents. Radon-222 and radon-220 are found in
significant concentrations in the human environment, radon-222 most readily
occurs in the environment.
Radon
has been used in some spas for presumed medical effects. It is also used to
initiate and influence chemical reactions and as a surface label in the study
of surface reaction. Radon is obtained by pumping the gases off of a solution
of radium salt, sparking the gas mixture to combine the hydrogen and oxygen,
removing the water and carbon dioxide by adsorption, and freezing out the
radon. It is usually found in igneous rock and soil, but in some cases, well
water may also be a source of radon.
The
primary routes of potential human exposure to radon are inhalation and
ingestion. Radon in the ground, groundwater, or building materials enters
working and living spaces and disintegrates into its decay products. Although
high concentrations of radon in groundwater may contribute to radon exposure
through ingestion, the inhalation of radon released from water is usually more
important.
If your
home has high concentrations of radon there are ways to reduce it to acceptable
levels. Most radon problems can be fixed by a do-it-yourselfer for less than
$500. If you want or require the assistance of a professional you may wish to
look at the list of certified radon mitigators for your state.
Radon is a cancer-causing gas. 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. It can get into any type of building — homes, offices, and schools — and
result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to
get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time. If your
home does test positive for high levels of radon do not worry, you can fix the
problem. Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon
reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very
high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.
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