Where Does Radon Originate From?
Radon is a radioactive gas produced in the ground through the normal decay of uranium and radium. During its decaying process, radon produces new radioactive elements called "radon daughters." Both radon and radon daughters are colorless, odorless and tasteless.
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Origins
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Radon originates in the ground and diffuses through soil and permeable rocks. Radon itself is not a health hazard. In fact, once it's in the atmosphere, radon becomes diluted and concentrations are actually extremely low.
Radioactive Breakdown
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The radon daughters produced during radon's radioactive breakdown are solids--not gases--and stick to surfaces such as dust particles in the air that, if inhaled, can adhere to the airways of the lung. As radioactive dust particles break down further, they release small bursts of energy that damage lung tissue and can cause lung cancer.
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Cancer Risk
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Air Chek Inc. reports that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Homes built on granite are at greater risk of radon exposure. High radon levels can often be ameliorated with proper ventilation and use of radon detectors.
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