Radon
Introduction
Radon is a chemical element with the symbol Rn and atomic number 86. It is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas, occurring naturally as the decay product of radium. It is one of the densest substances that remains a gas under normal conditions and is considered to be a health hazard due to its radioactivity. Its most stable isotope, radon-222, has a half-life of 3.8 days.
History
Radon was discovered in 1899 by Friedrich Dorn, who called it radium emanation. In 1900, it was confirmed as a new element by Ernest Rutherford and Robert Owens. The name "radon" was introduced in 1923 by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
Occurrence
Radon is a decay product of radium and is therefore found in any environment where radium is present. It can accumulate in buildings, especially in confined areas such as attics and basements. It can also be found in some spring waters and hot springs.
Characteristics
Radon is a noble gas, which means it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is also radioactive, which means it decays into other elements and emits radiation in the process. This radioactivity is what makes radon a health hazard.
Health effects
Exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer, especially in people who smoke. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Detection and measurement
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3). There are many types of devices available to measure radon levels in homes and other buildings. These include charcoal canisters, alpha track detectors, and continuous monitors.
Mitigation
Methods to reduce indoor radon levels include sealing cracks in floors and walls, increasing ventilation, and using air purifiers. In some cases, a radon mitigation system may be installed to reduce radon levels.