What is radon gas and why is it a concern?

Radon gas is a radioactive, colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that poses a risk to human health.

Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced from the decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. It is a noble gas, which means it is chemically inert and does not react with other substances under normal conditions. It is also a dense gas, nine times denser than air, which allows it to accumulate in low-lying areas such as basements and ground floors.

The primary concern with radon gas is its radioactivity. As it decays, radon produces several other short-lived radioactive elements, known as radon daughters or radon progeny. These decay products can attach to dust particles in the air, which can then be inhaled into the lungs. Once inhaled, these particles can adhere to the lining of the lungs, where they continue to decay and emit radiation. This radiation can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over time.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, according to the World Health Organization. It is estimated to cause between 3% and 14% of all lung cancers, depending on the average radon level in a country. The risk of lung cancer increases with higher levels of radon and longer periods of exposure.

The presence of radon in homes and buildings is a significant health concern. Because radon is odourless, tasteless, and invisible, it can accumulate to harmful levels without being detected. Therefore, it is important to test homes and other buildings for radon, especially in areas where radon levels are known to be high. If high levels of radon are found, steps can be taken to reduce the radon level and minimise the health risk.