Hi guys,
So, to continue on the nuclear health effects, we shall talk about radon gas and its dangers.
Here is some background, Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the radioactive decay of Radium which before that came from the radioactive decay of Uranium. So this gas is pretty much everywhere because trace amounts of these elements can be found in most places with varying degrees of concentrations. So there is no escaping this gas. The only thing we can do is make sure we are not breathing in excessive concentrations of it.
So, because Radon is a gas that comes from the earth, there are sometimes problems with it becoming concentrated in basements. The basement being completely closed causes it to build up instead of just venting to the atmosphere. That is why there are so many commercials on Tv about the hazards of this particular gas.
Lets get to how Radon affects you. Radon is an unstable element. Meaning that it undergoes radioactive decay. I does so by emitting an alpha particle. So when you inhale Radon, it can emit this particle and cause changes to your DNA. If this altered DNA can still multiply, and depending upon a whole bunch of other factors, can result in cancer.
According to website 1 listed below, 15000 to 22000 lung cancer deaths are associated with radon. In the grand scheme of things, this is a very small risk. In 2012, there were approximately 157,500 total deaths due to lung cancer according to website 2.
Most systems that I have seen for Radon removal is just a fan that continuously pushes air from the problem room to the outside. The vents have to be above the houses roof that way you are not causing problems for your neighbors.
Its probably a good idea to test your home for radon. Especially if you have a basement.
This is an interesting topic brought up in my Applied radiation protections class.
[1] http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/radon/radon-fact-sheet
[2] http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/learn-about-lung-cancer/lung-cancer-fact-sheet.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
Have a good one!
The Nuke Cow
Seeing as you are the cow expert, what's more dangerous: A basement full of cows' flatulence byproduct methane, or a basement full of Radon?
ReplyDeleteWell, according to the Wisconsin DPHS, methane is oderless and colorless unless it combines with hydrogen sulfide which produces a rotten egg smell. It is not known to cause cancer or to affect organ systems. It is generally rapidly pushed out of your system. In huge concentrations you would have an oxygen deficiency and probably pass out if you did not leave the room.
ReplyDeleteThe main problem would be the possibility of explosion. Dont smoke in your basement if its filled with methane......
Between the two, I would take more methane over more Radon.