Radon hazards

Abstract

Radon is a natural radioactive gas produced by the radioactive decay of radium, which in turn is derived from the radioactive decay of uranium found in all rocks and soils. Radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon emanated from rocks and soil tends to concentrate in enclosed spaces such as houses and underground spaces including mines and tunnels. Infiltration of radon in soil gas is the most important source of radon in buildings. Radon levels often vary widely between adjacent buildings due to differences in the radon potential of the underlying ground as well as differences in construction style and use. Although a radon potential map can indicate the relative radon risk for a building in a particular locality, it cannot predict the radon risk for an individual building. Radon from building materials and from water extracted from wells is generally less important.