Radon

Radon is considered 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.

This substance is naturally occurring and some areas recommend radon testing in the home where radon from the Earth my be emitting. This substance is considered to be highly radioactive and was discovered in the 18th century. 

USE: Radon has been used in some spas for presumed medical effects. In addition, radon is used to initiate and influence chemical reactions and as a surface label in the study of surface reactions. It has been obtained by pumping the gases off of a solution of a 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.

PRODUCTION: Radon is not produced as a commercial product. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and comes from the natural breakdown (radioactive decay) of uranium. It is usually found in igneous rock and soil, but in some cases, well water may also be a source of radon.

EXPOSURE: 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."

The Environmental Protection Agency states, "Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.

So, how does radon enter the home? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that radon can enter the home through cracks in the foundation or walls in the home, construction joints, gaps in suspended floors and around service pipes, cavities inside the walls, and the water supply. The best method of prevention in reducing the exposure of radon is to seal any cracks within the home, discouraging smoking in, around, or near the home, and circulating air flow by the opening of windows and utilizing fans/vents. 

Of hazards found in the home, radon is considered to be less of a concern. To ensure safety of yourself and family, testing for radon is the first step in indicating your exposure. Radon exposure health effects do not occur overnight - instead long term exposure to the radioactive particles will create permanent damage and increase the risk of developing lung cancer.