What are 5 uses of radon?

Does radon cause radiation poisoning?

Radon gas in the air breaks down into tiny radioactive elements (radon progeny) that can lodge in the lining of the lungs, where they can give off radiation. This radiation can damage lung cells and eventually lead to lung cancer.

How does uranium turn into radon?

The primary source of radon is from uranium in soils and rocks and in groundwater. Over time, uranium decays into radium, which then decays directly into radon. (See EPA Facts about Radium and Uranium.) Uranium is present naturally in all soil, although quantities differ from place to place.

Is uranium and radon the same thing?

Radon is tasteless, odorless, and colorless. It comes from the radioactive decay (breakdown) of radium, which comes from the radioactive decay of uranium. Both radium and uranium are found in at least trace amounts in almost any kind of soil or rock.

Which creates the greatest radon threat?

For most people, the greatest exposure to radon occurs in the home where people spend much of their time, though indoor workplaces may also be a source of exposure.

Where is radon most commonly found?

Radon is present outdoors and is normally found at very low levels in outdoor air and in surface water, such as rivers and lakes. It can be found at higher levels in the air in houses and other buildings, as well as in water from underground sources, such as private well water.

How do you get rid of radon in your home?

There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home, but the one most used has a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a soil depressurization system, does not require major changes to your home.

Is there an air purifier that removes radon?

The Breathe EZ Air Cleaner is a very effective radon mitigation solution. Due to its ability to filter very small particles (. 007 microns) it will filter radon decay products. These radon decay products are the source for radon induced lung cancer.

Does opening windows reduce radon?

As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows. Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open.

Do air purifiers reduce radon?

Air Purifiers are great for mold, dust, allergies, bacteria and viruses, and odors, but many people do not know that they can also help with toxins, gases and chemicals such as radon. The most important type of air filter to reduce radon levels is an activated carbon filter.

What season are radon levels highest?

Indoor radon levels are normally at the highest in the winter or colder months because of the thermal stack effect, a snowy barrier, and tightly sealed homes. Cold temperatures increase the pressure within the home, meaning more air is being pulled in from the ground, which elevates the risk of radon entering the home.

Does a dehumidifier get rid of radon?

No, buying a dehumidifier will not make radon go away. Research conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clearly disproved this idea.

Can radon cause dementia?

Additionally, pathologic studies of radon shed light on the potential pathways of radon decay product induced proinflammation and oxidative stress that may result in the development of dementia. In summary, there are plausible underlying biological mechanisms linking radon exposure to the risk of dementia.

What does radon make you feel like?

Possible symptoms include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. If you smoke and you know you’ve been exposed to high levels of radon, it’s very important to quit smoking.

Does radon gas cause anxiety?

In the United States, initial reports of radon-related deaths caused anxiety. Fairly quickly, the Environmental Protection Agency lowered 1986 estimates of radon-related deaths and the number of contaminated homes.

Does radon gas cause Parkinson’s?

But more recent research, performed at the University of North Dakota, indicates that radon may be a significant cause of two diseases of the brain: Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The radon gas emitted from soil and rock is not a hazard in the open air.

Can radon cause brain tumors?

The research by Hess et al. found an association between radon measured in water and CNS tumors. Bräuner et al.,²⁷ using an incidence cohort, observed a statistically significant effect, with the risk for these tumors increasing linearly (44% per each 100 Bq/m³) with radon concentration.

Can radon cause sinus problems?

That makes radon the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. But even minor symptoms like headaches, feeling unusually tired, itching or burning eyes, irritated skin, nasal congestion, a dry throat or nausea could be due to your home’s indoor air quality.

Can radon gas cause MS?

Thus, radon and progeny could cause immune or oxidative reactions in the central nervous system that could lead to the development and/or the exacerbation of MS. In addition, all radon progeny are heavy metals, which are highly neurotrophic and neurotoxic.

Can high radon levels cause headaches?

The only known health effect of radon is an increased risk of lung cancer. Radon does not cause any warning symptoms like headaches, nausea, fatigue, or skin rashes. If you are suffering from those symptoms or other physical ailments, you should consult your physician.

How do you know if you have radon poisoning?