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What is Radon?
Radon is a tasteless, odorless, invisible gas that occurs naturally throughout the earth's crust. It is a by-product of the breakdown of uranium in the soil, rock, and water. Over time, uranium will decay into lead. This process has fourteen steps, and radon is formed at the sixth step. This is especially unique, in that it is the first of the decay products which is a gas, not a solid.
Radon is found in every state
in America. Radon
gas typically moves up through the ground to the air above, and can enter your home through cracks or other openings in your
foundation. Radon which escapes into the air is not a problem, since it is quickly diluted. However, radon gas
that enters your house can remain trapped there, especially during the winter months when windows and doors are kept closed.
Exposure to Radon Causes Lung Cancer In Non-smokers and Smokers AlikeLung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. The untimely deaths of Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve have raised public awareness about lung cancer, especially among people who have never smoked. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented; this is especially true for radon. |
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