| Academic Standards
for Environment and Ecology |
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4.3. Environmental Health
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Congratulations
to
Brian Blum from York County,
Sue Leese from Venango County, and
B
eth Sheckler from Carbon
County
for submitting the
correct answer!
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Radon
is a cancer-causing, colorless, odorless gas that is
formed naturally through
the decay of uranium.
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Natural
half-life breakdown of uranium
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Click
here for a visualization of the radon decay chain (requires
flash) |
Where
does radon occur?
Uranium is found naturally
in nearly all rocks. Most rocks contain very little uranium,
others contain higher than average amounts of uranium.
Rocks also contain the "daughter products" of
uranium: Thorium, Radium, Radon, etc. Typically, the
surrounding soil will contain as much uranium and its
daughter products as
the original rock. Thus, areas where the bedrock contain
higher amounts of uranium and its daughter products are
more susceptible to the effects of radon.
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If
Radon occurs naturally, why should we be concerned
with Radon in our homes? |
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Indoor
air is often unhealthier than outdoor air due
to a lack of ventilation.
As indoor
air is recirculated throughout the house, so are
the airborne pollutants.
Air pressure within a home is usually less than the
air pressure outside. This makes the house act like
a vacuum, drawing in radon through cracks in the
foundation.
Radon can accumulate as it enters the house and becomes
trapped.
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Radon
is a silent killer.
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Research your area.... Has your school been tested? Your
home? Interview community members who have had their homes
tested. Discuss the results. Create posterboards to display
in school.
(use the additional links to help you in the research process!!)
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Lung
cancer deaths per year due to residential
radon exposure is between 860 - 3,800
