Everyday Science, Everyday Wonder
Simple questions, smart answers
Do you know that you can get lung cancer even if you don't smoke? One of the main culprits is radon. Because it's invisible and odorless, radon is often called the "transparent killer." Just like cigarette smoke, radon enters our bodies through the air and damages our lungs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated radon as the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
How Does Radon Form and Harm Us?
Radon is created during the natural radioactive decay of uranium-238 in rocks and soil. Uranium is unstable and decays over billions of years, a process that produces radium, which then decays into radon-222.
Since radon is a gas, it can easily travel through cracks in the ground and rise to the surface. It enters our homes through fissures in the foundation, walls, and pipes, accumulating in the air. Radon has a relatively short half-life of about 3.8 days, and as it quickly decays, it creates solid radioactive particles like polonium.
It is this polonium that is the direct cause of lung cancer. Polonium particles are inhaled and become lodged in lung tissue. The powerful alpha particles released by the decaying polonium can directly damage the DNA of lung cells, causing mutations that lead to lung cancer.
Where Does Radon in Our Homes Come From?
Radon mainly comes from the ground, so concentrations are often higher in basements and on the first floor of homes with poor ventilation. But even if you live in an apartment, you're not completely safe.
Building materials like concrete and granite contain trace amounts of uranium, allowing radon to be released from walls and floors. Homes built on granite-rich ground are also at a higher risk.
In addition, indoor radon levels are higher in the winter when ventilation is poor. With windows closed, the fresh outdoor air cannot enter, allowing radon to accumulate indoors.
How to Protect Your Home from Radon
Radon is always present around us, but it's a risk we can manage with a little attention.
Ventilate Frequently: This is the simplest and most effective method. Make it a habit to open your windows for at least 10 minutes, two to three times a day.
Seal Cracks: Seal any cracks in your home's foundation, walls, and floors to block the pathways for radon to enter.
Test for Radon: The most important step is to measure the radon level in your home to determine the risk. You can buy a radon test kit or hire a professional to conduct a test.
For the sake of your family's health, why not check if the air in your home is safe today?
댓글
댓글 쓰기