What is the source of radon in homes?

uranium
Radon is a radioactive gas. 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. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up.

What are the main sources of indoor air pollution?

Primary Causes of Indoor Air Problems

• Fuel-burning combustion appliances.
• Tobacco products.
• Building materials and furnishings as diverse as:
• Products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies.
• Central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices.
• Excess moisture.
• Outdoor sources such as:

What is indoor radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can accumulate in enclosed places, such as a house. As radon moves through cracks in the soil, the gas can enter a house through cracks or other openings in the foundation and build up to unacceptable levels indoors.

Where is radon most likely found?

Radon levels are usually higher in basements, cellars and living spaces in contact with the ground. However, considerable radon concentration can also be found above the ground floor.

Is radon an indoor air pollutant?

Health Effects Radon is a major source of indoor air pollution and is the cause of tens of thousands of deaths annually in the United States and Europe. Radon and its daughters continue to decay in the lungs, releasing alpha and beta particles that can damage cellular DNA and result in lung cancer.

What are the sources causes and effects of indoor air pollution?

Toxic products, inadequate ventilation, high temperature and humidity are a few of the primary causes of indoor air pollution in our homes. 1. Asbestos is the leading cause of indoor air pollution. Asbestos can be found in various materials used commonly in the automotive industry as well as home construction.

What is radon pollution?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, the primary source of indoor air pollution. Radon gas, along with decay products that can attach to dust and airborne particles, enters the lungs and decays, producing alpha and beta radiation that damages DNA and causes lung cancer.

Where is radon most prevalent?

How common is radon in homes?

It’s common: About 1 in every 15 homes has what’s considered an elevated radon level. The gas is odorless and invisible, says the EPA, and it causes no immediate symptoms, so the only way to know if your home is affected is by testing your individual residence.

What is the main source of the indoor air pollution radon quizlet?

What is the main source of the indoor air pollutant radon? Natural emissions seeping into building foundations from the ground.

What are the main sources of air pollution in your house name 2 )? What are the measures you will do to reduce the release of these pollutants?

On Days when High Particle Levels are Expected, Take these Extra Steps to Reduce Pollution:

• Reduce the number of trips you take in your car.
• Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
• Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials.
• Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

What are the effects of indoor air pollution?

Health effects associated with indoor air pollutants include: Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.

What are the sources of radon exposure?

The primary source of exposure to radon is indoor or household air. Many houses and buildings have been constructed right on top of radon emitting rocks. Radon daughters are often attached to dust, and you are exposed to them primarily through breathing (2).

How do you get radon in your home?

The primary source of exposure to radon is indoor or household air. Many houses and buildings have been constructed right on top of radon emitting rocks. Radon daughters are often attached to dust, and you are exposed to them primarily through breathing (2). They are present in nearly all air.

How much radon is there in the air?

They are present in nearly all air. However, background levels of radon in outdoor air are generally quite low, about 0.003 to 2.6 picocuries of radon per liter of air (2).

What is radon gas (Rn)?

Radon (Rn) is a noble gas produced by the radioactive decay of radium, found in uranium ores, phosphate rock, and a number of common minerals (1). It is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that seeps up through the ground and diffuses into the air (3). Because it is inert, radon itself does not pose a hazard.