Radon gas: detection techniques, health impacts and reduction methods

Radon-222, a decay product of Uranium, is found to be radioactively contaminating homes throughout the US and causing hazardous working conditions for uranium miners. Radon gas decays to various heavy metal isotopes of polonium, bismuth and lead which in turn emit alpha particles. Despite an alpha particle's shallow penetration distance of approximately 20 microns, biological damage can be extensive if ingested, possibly resulting in lung cancer. The toll of lung cancer fatalities due to Radon exposure is estimated at 20,000 per year in the US. Statistical surveys approximate that 7% of homes in the US, or roughly four million, exceed the 4 picocurie per liter limit set by the EPA at which remedial action is recommended. In the Uranium mining industry, the common unit of measurement for radon radiation, the working level (WL), is set at a maximum of 4 WL per month per year. The instruments presently available to measure and monitor radon levels are: Working Level Meters, Charcoal Filters, and Track Etch Detectors. Construction Technology to reduce radon levels can be as easy as installing ventilation system and sealing off entry routes of radon gas. The paper will provide an overview of radon sources, detection techniques, the health impact on the public and construction technology in the reduction of radon levels