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Radon Overview
Home » Home Security » Radon » Radon OverviewRadon is an odorless and tasteless radioactive gas formed from radioactive decay or uranium. Uranium can be found in small amounts in the rocks and soil located under our homes. It slowly breaks down to products such as radium, which in turn breaks down further into radon. Some of the radon produced in the soil will move to the surface and enter the air. The amount of radon that escapes from the soil into our homes depends on the weather, soil porosity and moisture, and the suction within the house. The soil and water supply are the two main sources for radon inside your home. Radon entering your home through the soil is usually at a much higher risk than radon entering through the water. Most of the risk from radon in water comes from radon that is released into the air when using water for showers and other household purposes.
Radon is normally found in very small levels in the outside air. However, in our homes it is found in much higher levels. Radon can leak into our homes through cracks in the foundation or basement.
In tightly insulated houses, radon can accumulate to concentrations that pose a threat to your health. If you inhale the gas into your lungs, its decay can increase your chance of getting lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. According to a study in 1990 by the National Safety Council, it is estimated that about 14,000 deaths or more a year could be attributed to radon.
At one time, radon was used in the treatment of diseases including cancer, ulcers, arthritis, and diabetes. This is not the case today. Today radon is used in the prediction of earthquakes and in the exploration of petroleum and uranium.
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