Radon
Radon Rn 86
ATOMIC MASS 222
STATE Gas
DISCOVERY 1900 Friedrich Ernst Dorn
Radon is the only natural radioactive noble gas.
This element is produced by the breakdown of uranium and other radioactive metals. Being a gas, radon escapes from minerals, such as uraninite, into the air.
Radon can gather in caves and basements in certain areas, and its radiation poses a risk to health.
In most places, the amount of radon in the air is incredibly tiny.
Radon is also more common in areas rich in granite rock. In these places, people use test kits to monitor their homes’ radon levels.
Glass sphere containing radon and air: The radon in this sphere is released from a tiny piece of decaying thorium dioxide. It takes only 3.8 days for half of radon’s atoms to split into atoms of other elements.
Uraninite: These yellow crystals belong to another uranium mineral called uranophane.
This uranium mineral releases radon gas, as radioactive metals in it break apart.
Hot springs in Lisvori, Greece: The muddy water from volcanic springs contains radon. Its levels are high around volcanic springs and mud, where it bubbles out with other hot gases.
Geothermal power plant: Radon is present in the water at geothermal power plants, which use heat energy from deep under the ground, volcanic rocks to make electricity for the power plant.
BUILDINGS: High concentrations of radon can build up in cellars and basements, posing a health risk.
Radon home test kit: This kit collects radon from the air so the amount of the gas in the area can be measured.
CANCER: Radon is very radioactive and breathing it in can cause illness, such as lung cancer. It is estimated by the EPA to be the main cause of lung cancer amongst non-smokers.
RADIOACTIVE: Radon emanates from the ground and is the biggest source of natural background radiation.
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