Where Is Radon Gas Found?

Identification

• Radon is a colorless, odorless gas and radioactive element. It is one of the heaviest room temperature gases on Earth. It is a radioactive decay product of radium.
  
  

Effects

• Radon gas is a major contaminant of indoor air quality across the globe. It occurs naturally. Due to its weight, it accumulates easily. This is especially the case in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces like basements. Radon gas is the second most significant cause of lung cancer, causing an estimated 21,000 cases per year in the United States.
  
  

Geography

• Radon gas emitters can be found at certain hot springs. Examples include Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Radon can be found at numerous locations in Japan. In the United States, there is an excellent example of a Radon-emitter at the suitably named Radium Springs, New Mexico. There's also a radium-spewing hot spring in Boulder, Montana. Petroleum and petroleum refining have also been known to release radium. Finally, just about anywhere that has granite-based soil will emit some radon,
  
  

Considerations

• The basic truth is that at least very small amounts of radon can be found anywhere and everywhere. The main consideration is not where radon can be found. Where it can collect should be a primary concern. As a heavy gas, it is easy to collect and not especially easy to disperse. Modern home construction tends to seal homes up in the name of energy efficiency. An air tight house will surely compound any radon problem that was already likely to occur. Although this isn't a reason to throw out the idea of energy efficiency, the possibility should be addressed and monitored.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Given how easily radon gas can collect indoors, radon testing is commonplace, especially during real estate transactions. In some areas, radon testing is required. Test kits, readily available in most hardware stores, include a collector that is hung in the lowest room of the house. It's then sent to a lab for analysis. Given that radon levels can fluctuate wildly simply because of the weather, a high test result usually calls for a second test before anything conclusive is known.