Radon is a radio active gas that have agonizing health hazards when present in high levels in the atmosphere. However, it naturally occurs in relatively small quantities in the atmosphere that are harmless. This gas is odorless, colorless and thus very hard to detect with our natural senses. This make it easier for it to accumulate indoors in places such as basements or low living areas.
At room temperature it's generally heavy, turns into a brilliant phosphorescent yellow below freezing point and when in liquid it changes to red-orange. Generally, radon concentration is higher in ground waters and in the soil. It finds its way into our houses through cracks or openings on the floor more so in the basements and keeps on accumulating. Basically, you may never notice its presence until it becomes very toxic causing sever health problems such as cancer or even death.
The dangers of radon were quite unknown to many before the mid 80's and it's until then that it was discovered to be a threat in our homes. High radiation levels in a nuclear plant of Limerick Pennsylvania were actually triggered by the presence of this gas in the area. This concentration was compared to the impact of smoking more than 130 cigarettes a day.
Did you know that a simple thing as taking a bath in a hot spring can actually expose you to this gas? Well, as crazy as it may sound, it's the simple truth. Countries like Germany, Japan or the U.S are the leading places with hot-springs rich in radium that can expose you to this gas. Basically, keeping check of this gas often would actually be the best way in combating it.
No comments:
Post a Comment