Radon has the potential of causing a lot of danger hence the necessary steps ought to be taken to curtail any instances of poisoning. Radon is a naturally occurring gas and it is normally colorless and odorless. It has the knack of causing some significant air pollution. It emanates from the decay of radium which can be traced to uranium ores and other varied minerals. Radon in itself does not cause any damage but most of the dangers spawn from its daughters or progenies. Many people remain unaware of the origin of radon and the way the same can bear a huge impact that could duly affect or cause indoor air pollution. This article shall purpose to highlight the several sources of radon and the way the gas itself causes air pollution upon production.
Where Does It Hail From?
Radon normally is usually produced in the soil and the boulders to be specific. It has the capability of creeping through the soil and into the air where it usually sinks in the air and this is attributed to its extremely high density. Many people do not know where radon comes from essentially. Radon originates from the natural decay of radium and this decay happens further culminating in other elements such as lead. Radon often results from the decay of thorium and uranium and these are elements, which occur naturally and are manifest in the earth’s crust.
How Does It Cause Indoor Air Pollution?
Radon and its resulting particles have the propensity of attaching themselves to the air particles that upon inhalation has the capability of causing some fatal and harmful radiation. Many experts might deem this radiation harmless but it has the potential of causing lung cancer or even some significant DNA alterations. This is a chief example of indoor air pollution and it has some severe calamitous consequences that can aggravate if allowed to spiral out of control. The radon progenies are mostly present in all the surrounding air after being exposed to the air.
Which Are The Chief Sources Of Radon?
Radon has several sources as depicted above in the form of thorium and uranium. Radon can readily elope and move into the adjacent water and air in the areas proximate to its source or point of origin. Many people are unaware of the areas in which this gas is usually prevalent and they are several ranging from building materials and other distinct water sources. To surmise, radon is found in many areas and buildings or structures erected just above the soil that is exceedingly rich in radon. It is capable of causing indoor air pollution since it often exists in the low levels because of its high density hence enhancing its ability to cause pollution and ruin.
What is the Impact of Cracks as a Source of Radon?
Cracks are often present in the foundation or the basement and they create a decent channel for the penetration of radon into your home? More so, the levels of radon might be higher in some areas than in others. This is because some areas might contain more rocks, which have a higher quantity of radium and uranium. The implication herein is that such areas will have higher levels of radon as the sources and the rocks therein are much more potent.
Radon and Water
Radon is normally in higher concentrations in water derived from underground sources compared to other water bodies such as lakes and other water surfaces. The underground water, therefore, has higher levels of radon hence rendering it a major source of radon that is solely responsible for indoor air pollution.
Permeability
Many houses, which have some frail and poorly constructed foundations, are more prone and susceptible to penetration of the radon into the house from the soil due to the high levels of permeability.
Building Materials and Public Works
Some construction materials will contain a similar level of radium and uranium as that of the clay from which they are derived. This is another source of radon in addition to public works that are often closed up and devoid of an outlet or a way of eliminating radon from the underground water including any possibility of allowing it to decay.
This article has aptly demonstrated the varying sources of radon that are normally associated with indoor air pollution. It is a unique subject hence necessitating a bespoke approach in answering the question. It is now clear that there are different sources of radon and they all contribute to the overall composition of radon in indoor environs thus you stand to be properly guided.
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