Brief Overview of Radon
Radon (Rn) has an
atomic number 86. On the periodic table, you can find it in Group 18 and Period
6 just to the right of astatine. Radon is listed under the Noble gases category
along with neon, helium, xenon, argon, and krypton.
It is a radioactive
gas released from normal decay of radium, thorium, and uranium in rock and
soil. Radon is an invisible, tasteless, odourless gas that escapes through the
ground and diffuses into the air. Depending on local geology, it can dissolve
into ground water and it can be released into air when the water is used. In
areas where ventilation is inadequate, such as in underground mines, radon can
accumulate to a harmful level which greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.
Radon is present in
the air all around the world, but the level depends on local geological
conditions. Everyone breathes radon every day, but mostly at very low levels.
Those who inhale radon at high levels have higher risk of developing lung
cancer. In Canada, the tolerable level of radon in indoor air is 200 Becquerels
per cubic metre (Bq/m3). In 2014, a data published by CBS News showed higher
levels of Radon in the following locations in Canada:
·
Armstrong
Station, Ont. (5,657 Bq/m3)
·
Bas-Paquetville,
N.B. (5,590 Bq/m3)
·
Sparwood,
B.C. (2941 Bq/m3)
·
Gaspé,
Que. (2,923 Bq/m3)
·
Gooderham,
Ont. (2,741 Bq/m3).
Because radon escapes
through the ground, any crack in walls, floors, or foundation of homes can
provide a tunnel for the gas to accumulate indoor. Building materials and even
wells can contain water contaminated by radon. If a home is well insulated and
tightly sealed, but it stands on soil rich in elements of radium, uranium, and
thorium, radon levels can easily reach to a worrying level. Basement and first
floors usually have the highest level because they are closest to the ground.
Radon decays quickly,
leaving radioactive particles. When inhaled, those radioactive particles
destroy cells that line the lung. The only type of cancer that can be
associated with radon is lung cancer; the disease is a long term effect of the
radioactive particles. There is no sufficient evidence to diagnose any short
term effects.
Almost every home in
Canada has radon, but the level varies. To test the level of radon, you can
purchase a long term radon test kit or hire a certified professional to figure
out the result within short term test. If the level reaches at least 200 Bq/m3,
you will need radon mitigation professional to reduce it. One of the best
method is called depressurization which basically channels radon from
underground to outdoor air before the gas enters your home. It can reduce radon
level by more than 90%. For best results, you should add more ventilations and
seal possible radon entry points inside your home.
Simon Indoor Air
Quality provides professional services to test radon levels in your home and
continue to monitor and improve air quality by performing the best mitigation
method and installing new ventilation. Visit us at www.simonairquality.com
