Radon may be described as a highly radioactive gas that may cause lung cancer. People of all ages and both sexes and the children in particular can fall victim to radon. Its existence can put great harmful impact on the quality of air. The level of this gas can be checked with its testing.
Formation of Radon – It may be known that this harmful gas is formed due to breakdown of radioactive uranium that exists in the water and soil. Persons breathing in contaminated air are prone to lung, stomach and other cancers. Serious respiratory disorders including leukemia are also the harmful consequences of Radon. This gas prevails in varied types of soils. Mostly found in rocky soils containing granite and shale; Radon causes risks to the people that are prone to it. This most harmful gas may move upward from the ground to the air in the homes through the foundation holes and cracks in the buildings. It goes on building up in the building premises. Likewise the cavities in the walls are also the source of radon.
Water supply is another source of radon that enters the homes. Water released during showering causes vapors that are the source of radon. It is when the bathroom water becomes steamy and the persons taking bath may breathe in heavy concentrations of radon. Radon testing may be necessitated in case this gas is present in the air.
Significance of radon tests – Those fearing existence of Radon in their homes or offices may prefer to have radon testing. One may not be aware of the fact that his or her home is polluted with Radon. This tasteless, odorless and invisible gas can be detected with the apt testing. It can be found anywhere in the schools, offices or any other type of building.
Those fearing radon in their building premises may prefer to go in for Radon Testing. The presence of this harmful gas can be detected with the inexpensive home radon test. The radon reduction systems installed in the homes are useful in reducing its contents to great extent, almost ninety nine percent.
As said earlier, radon usually enters the buildings through holes and cracks in the foundation, walls and floors or other gaps. Home energy audits may be of great help to save the people from the harmful damages. These audits may help in making necessary renovations for improving the levels of your safety as regards the radon in your homes. The home radon tests facilitate for installing the necessary tools to make the homes radon free.
Uses, production and exposure of Radon – Though this gas is harmful yet it has been in use by the spas. Radon is used for initiating and influencing chemical reactions. It is helpful for the study of surface reactions too.
It may be noted that radon is not produced as any commercial item. This naturally occurring radioactive gas generates through the breakdown of uranium. It usually exists in the soil and igneous rock. Well water may also be a great source of radon. Ingestion and inhalation are the major routes of human exposure of this gas. Groundwater may be the great source of radon. It enters the living and working spaces through water and building cavities and foundation holes etc.
