Radon by Vikram Chabra ‘07

What is Radon?

Radon is an Element:

Group 18 and Period 6
Atomic # 86, Rn
Atomic Mass 222

Radon is a radioactive gas.

Radon is one of the Noble gases, the heaviest of all.

Radon is considered to be a health hazard.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, invisible gas that can only be detected through the use of proper equipment; instruments that detect radioactive decay.

Chronic exposure to elevated radon levels has been linked to an increase incidence of lung cancer. Radon is produced from minerals in soil, such as uranium and radium. Radon is constantly being generated by the radium in rocks, soil, water and materials made from these elements, such as buildings and roads.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. When inhaled the chemical gets lodged in the lungs which then penetrates the lung tissue and starts a process of deterioration.

Radon is present throughout the environment. Many homes contain radon concentrations that are high enough to give their occupants lifetime exposures that could increase their risk of developing lung cancer. The most likely location of Radon gas in a home is in the basement because Radon is a heavy gas with an atomic mass of 222.

If you go to a hardware store, or a Home Depot, or Lowe’ s store, you can purchase a kit that will detect Radon gas and tell you if you have Radon in your basement.