Radon is a noble gas.
Radon is a chemical element whose atomic number is 86 . It is part of the group of noble gases : gases that, under ordinary conditions, lack color and odor and have reduced chemical reactivity.
With the symbol Rn , radon arises from the decay of thorium , actinium , uranium or radium . It is a toxic gas that is found in minute levels in the atmosphere.
Uses of radon
Maria y Pierre Curie, descubridores del polonio y del radio, sintetizaron este gas en 1898. Luego, ya en 1900, fue el químico Friedrich Ernst Dorn quien certificó claramente que el radón se trataba de un elemento nuevo.
Radon is often used to anticipate an earthquake . This is because, before an earthquake, the concentration of radon in the air changes. There are scientists, however, who question the reliability of radon to make these types of predictions.
Previously, radon was also used in medicine as part of radiotherapy , although its use is no longer common due to the lack of evidence on its effectiveness.
When construction is carried out, it is important to avoid radon leaks.
Damage to health
It is important to keep in mind that exposure to radon can cause significant health damage. When a person inhales radioactive radon particles, they can bind to lung tissue and lead to the development of lung cancer .
Because radon arises when uranium in the soil breaks down, it can seep through pores or cracks in the floor or walls of a home. A home with this problem, therefore, would subject its inhabitants to an excessive level of radon, being potentially risky. There are analyzes that can be done to measure the presence of radon inside a building.
Prevention measures to avoid problems with radon
It must be stated that it is also known by the name emadium ( Em ) and that there are a series of mandatory regulations that must be carried out in order to prevent the radon existing in different buildings from causing major damage. Specifically, among these actions are the following:
- Establish barrier systems before concrete layers.
- Create a correct natural ventilation system.
- Create adequate mechanical evacuation systems.
- Implement high-level radon detection system tools.
Other information of interest about this gas
In the same way, we must not forget other interesting facts about radon:
- It has become the second most important cause of lung cancer, after tobacco consumption.
- It has no color , smell or taste.
- It is of natural origin.
- It can be found in water.
- The areas of homes where the greatest amount of radon tends to concentrate are the cellars and basements, because they are the ones that are most directly in direct contact with the ground on which the houses are built.