What isotope of radon is radioactive?
Radon Alert Radioactive decay series that proceeds from uranium-238 to lead-206. Radon-222 is the only gas formed during this series, thus allowing it to move out of the rocks and soils where uranium is found and into a home.
Why is radon-222 radioactive?
Radon (Rn-222) is an odorless and colorless natural radioactive gas. It is produced during the radioactive decay of radium-226, itself a decay product of uranium-238 found in many types of crustal materials, that is, rocks and soils.
What does the 222 in radon-222 represent?
In 1957, the name radon, formerly the name of only radon-222, became the name of the element. Owing to its gaseous nature and high radioactivity, radon-222 is one of the leading causes of lung cancer….Radon-222.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Symbol | 222Rn |
| Names | radon-222, Rn-222, Radium emanation |
| Protons | 86 |
| Neutrons | 136 |
Which radioactive element does radon decay from?
radium
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, a radioactive byproduct of radium. It is part of the natural radioactive decay series starting with uranium-238. It is radioactive with a half-life of 3.8 days, decaying by the emission of alpha particles to polonium, bismuth, and lead in successive steps.
Should I worry about radon gas?
If we breath in high levels of radon over long periods of time this exposure can lead to damage to the sensitive cells of our lungs which increases the risk of lung cancer. Radon causes about 1,000 lung cancer deaths in the UK every year.
Why does radon-222 build up in basements?
Radon gas accumulates in basements because of low ventilation. Heating and air-conditioning, natural air movement, the “stack effect,” as well as diffusion of radon gas through the floors and walls distribute radon throughout the house.
How does radon-222 get into homes?
It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water.
What are the different levels of radon?
Outdoor radon levels in the U.S. range from 0.02 to 0.75 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter), averaging 0.4 pCi/L. But homes draw concentrated radon gas from the ground. Because radon is nine times heavier than air, elevated radon levels build up in basements and on lower floors.
Is RADON a stable radioactive element?
Radon has no stable isotopes. Thirty-nine radioactive isotopes have been characterized, with atomic masses ranging from 193 to 231. The most stable isotope is 222 Rn, which is a decay product of 226 Ra, a decay product of 238 U. A trace amount of the (highly unstable) isotope 218 Rn is also among the daughters of 222 Rn.
What is RN in chemistry?
Overview of Radon
What type of radiation is radon?
These two protons and two neutrons are called an alpha particle, which is a type of radiation. The elements that produce radiation are called radioactive. Radon itself is radioactive because it also decays, losing an alpha particle and forming the element polonium.