|
Radon is a
Cancer causing radioactive gas that is produced by the breakdown of
uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is found all over the world.
Radon can be found in any home whether it is new, old, slab, crawlspace,
or basement. Radon is odorless and colorless. It typically rises up
through the ground and into your home through holes in the foundation,
where the concentration can build up. Air pressure in a structure is
usually lower than pressure in the soil under and around a structures
foundation. Because of this difference in pressure a structure may act
like a vacuum drawing radon in through small openings in the foundation.
Radon is a radioactive element.
|
This means
that radon is unstable and will decay into other elements over time. These
elements are called decay products. When a radioactive element decays, it
emits radiation. It is the radiation given off by radon and its decay
products that is the health risk
concern. The decay products of radon are alpha, beta, and gamma. These
decay products are not gases but are solids that form in the air whenever
radon is present. These solids have an electric charge. Because of this
charge, the decay product can become attracted to almost any object,
including particles in the air such as dust. As you breathe it, it may
become trapped in your lungs. Alpha particles are of the most concern.
When lodged in the mucus membrane lining that coats the lung, this means
that a radioactive material is directly on your lung tissue. The living
cells of the lung now can be exposed directly to the radiation from the
decay product.
|