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According to the chemical classification, radon is a noble radioactive gas with some of the highest health hazards when present in high levels in the atmosphere. Many households all over the world are often exposed to radon accumulation, particularly since this gas is not detectable in the indoor air. Considered an inert gas, radon is the heaviest of its kind when at room temperature. Below its freezing point, radon becomes a brilliant phosphorescent yellow, whereas if it gets to the liquefaction point the color changes to a red-orange. Present in very small quantities in the atmosphere, radon is definitely harmless. More dangerous radon concentrations appear in ground waters and in the soil, hence, the risk of indoor air contamination due to the fact that it can accumulate in basements or low-ground house areas is higher. Any cracks in the floor of the basement is a possible house entrance for this gas; unfortunately, one will not be aware of exposure to this toxic element until it is too late sometimes. Radon exposure is responsible for severe cases of lung cancer and death. This is why radon testing is so important for any household; should you need to check your house for possible contamination, you can either turn to home-use kits or to professional radon testing. It was as late as the mid 80s that the great danger of radon exposure in homes was discovered in the United States. The high radiation levels in the nuclear plant of Limerick Pennsylvania were actually triggered by an astonishing radon presence in the area. Statistics revealed the fact that the exposure to such radon concentration would have equaled the impact of smoking more than 130 cigarettes a day. Since the event received massive publicity, the government set national safety standards required for the detection of house risks. Where else can radon be found and how dangerous can it get? As surprising as it may sound, you can get exposed to radon by taking a harmless bath in a hot spring. The globe areas with hot-springs rich in radium are not few, and Japan, Germany or the United States occupy top positions here. Even if radon is usually spread in the atmosphere in regions with soils rich in granite, it is not necessarily true that any granite soil will have such emissions. Hence, constant vigilance and a close monitoring of the radon levels in households are a must, since prevention has always been the best way to avoid disaster. Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Radon for Years. For More Information on Radon, Visit His Site at RADONI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On Radon At My Blog here Radon
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