A simple and effective tool for fighting radon contamination

摘要

Over ten percent of cases of lung cancer are linked to an excess of exposure to radon, according to a report from the World Health Organisation. Radon (Rn) is present from a wide variety of natural and man-madesources. This odourless, colourless radioactive gas is the immediate decay product of radium resulting from the radioactive decay of uranium that takes place naturally in rock and soil. Hence all people are exposed to Rn in varying degrees. Most Rn in indoor air comes from soil and is proving to be more of a hazard than levels of Rn in the drinking water supply. The level of Rn inside a building is largely determined by its location and whether the ground on which it is located has significant levels of uranium present to create the gas. Once Rn reaches the open air, it will rapidly dissolve to a relatively harmless, low concentration. However, if it rises in to a home or commercial property, it can be trapped and build up to dangerous levels for people inside the building.The radioactive decay will then create alpha particles, which in turn can cause permanent damage to lung tissue.