Radon gas: sources, properties and hazards

Radon gas is a radioactive gas originates naturally in soil, water and building materials, from the dissociation of the radioisotope Radium-226. Radon gas is odourless, colourless and spreads freely through all permeable materials, because it belongs to the noble (inert) gases. It can be detected by radiation detectors. Scientists linked between its high concentration and the incidence of human lung cancer. Type of buildings and good aeration are essential ways to overcome radon hazards. This article describes the physical and chemical characteristics of the radon gas, its sources, measurements and its health risks. (author)