Radon Gas Poisoning Symptoms

Radon is a chemical element found abundantly in nature. Radon gas properties include it being odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that occurs naturally as the decay by-product of radium. It is thus, well-known for its radioactivity. Its symbol is 'Rn' and its atomic number is 86. Exposure to radon is extremely dangerous, as it has been implicated as a causative factor in cancer. According to Dr. Maria Neira of World Health Organization (WHO), "Most radon-induced lung cancers occur from low and medium dose exposures in people's homes. Radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer after smoking in many countries." In the United States of America, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer, first being smoking. Before we get down to radon gas poisoning symptoms, it is important to understand from where it comes and how it affects us.

What is Radon Poisoning?
Radon poisoning is a type of radiation poisoning. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in rock, water and soil. It has a half life of 3.8 days, during which it breaks down into Polonium and then into a Lead atom, both toxic elements. As it is a gas, it gets in the air we breathe. Radon gas can seep into homes through cracks in concrete, soil, mortar and stones that the houses are built on, especially concrete block walls which are porous. When water is used, trapped radon in it gets released into the air.

Symptoms of Radon Gas Poisoning
As one cannot see or smell radon gas, and so it becomes difficult to trace it. It is also difficult to even know if one is getting exposed to it thus, making it difficult to recognize radon poisoning signs. The fact remains that unlike other poisonous gases, radon gas poisoning symptoms cannot be clearly defined, as there are no early discernible symptoms. But just because this gas does not exhibit radiation poisoning symptoms early on does not make radon any less toxic to humans.

As radon is radioactive in nature, it decays, producing polonium-218 and polonium-214, also known as radon progeny. Both polonium; 214 and 218, decay themselves and emit alpha particles. As the alpha particles hit an object or surface, their energy gets absorbed by the surface or object. Although, the particles do not get absorbed by human skin due to its thickness, it can enter bronchial and lung tissue when we breathe. These particles cause extensive damage to the lungs, resulting in lung cancer.

In open air, radon gas does not pose a major threat, but in closed and confined spaces like buildings or rooms, the risk increases manifolds. Factors like the location of the building, and the duration of exposure plays a vital role in the development of lung cancer. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average person receives a higher dose of radiation from the radon levels in their home than from combined exposure to all other radiation sources, natural or man-made.

Prevention for Radon Gas Poisoning
Congress passed the Radon Act 51, setting the natural outdoor level of radon gas at 0.4 pCi/L. Although below is also not safe, it recommends immediate action and corrective measures to reduce exposure to Radon gas. Testing is the only way to know the levels of radon you at a risk of. Radon testing should be done by professionals qualified to test and recommend ways to reduce radon gas. Some of the preventive measures generally recommended include; cross ventilating and renovating basements wall, sealing all , fissures, cracks and openings in pipes, drains, floors and walls. Read more on radon mitigation and testing.

Radon gas poisoning is an important environmental issue that environmentalists all over the world are trying to grapple with. Hence, radon gas poisoning ranks very high on the list of radiation poisoning that is causing havoc in the environment. Also, as mentioned earlier, radon gas poisoning symptoms are not very defined, so one must test and take corrective measures before its exposure takes the deadly form of lung cancer.