Radon

AREA 1:THE ESSENTIAL DATA, The element name is Radon, the atomic number is 86, the mass is 222.0, the melting point is 71.0 degrees celius (202.15 k, -95.8 degrees farinhiet), the boiling point is 61.8 degrees celius (211.35 k), the period is 6, the group number is 18, the group name is noble gas, and it is radioactive.

**AREA 2: HISTORY History and Background Information of Radon** Radon was Discovered by in Germany during 1900. He originally named it niton but it was later renamed after another element, radium because radon has been found to form from radium. Radon is essentially inert (non-reactive) so it has become a part of the noble gases. Radon is a gas that is naturally produced by radium. Radon is essentially produced from the decomposition gas from the gradual radioactive decay of radium. There are many natural deposits of radium all around the globe and have presumably been here since the earth was "formed." The problem with this is that these radium deposits could be sitting under a thriving community. The radon gas starts to leak through cracks and holes in peoples foundations or basements. In left untreated (or unnoticed) for long periods of time the gas concentration builds up to unhealthy levels in the building if ventilation is inadequate. Since radon is a colorless and odorless gas it can be close to possible to detect unless you own a "radon detector." The radon can start to burn the lungs of those who inhale it and research shows that radon is capable of causing cancer; if inhaled in a high concentration radon can have the same effect as smoking smoking dozens of cartons of cigarettes per day! In places where radon "poisoning" may be of concern, ventilation of air out of your house is required to keep radon at a healthy level and you should also obtain a radon detector. Radium is not present in all areas of the country but you should find out if there is known deposits around your house and take the necessary precatutions. Better safe than sorry!
 * Picture of Friedrich Ernst Dorn; the discoverer of Radon (from [|www.viewimages.com]) ||

AREA 3: PHICAL PROPERTIES || [|Color:] || colorless ||
 * [[image:http://web1.caryacademy.org/chemistry/rushin/studentprojects/elementwebsites/radon/friedrichpic.jpg width="194" height="285" link="http://www.viewimages.com/AltaVistaView.asp?imageid=827510&promotionid=1&partnerid=2&type=results"]]
 * [[image:http://web1.caryacademy.org/chemistry/rushin/studentprojects/elementwebsites/radon/friedrichpic.jpg width="194" height="285" link="http://www.viewimages.com/AltaVistaView.asp?imageid=827510&promotionid=1&partnerid=2&type=results"]]
 * [|State at 25°C:] || gas ||
 * [|Density (g/cm3):] || 0.0097 ||
 * [|Hardness (Mohs):] || No data ||
 * [|Melting Point (K):] || 202.2 ||
 * [|Boiling Point (K):] || 211 ||
 * [|Heat of Fusion (kJ/mol):] || No data ||
 * [|Heat of Vaporization (kJ/mol):] || 18.1 ||
 * [|Heat of Atomization (kJ/mol):] || 0 ||
 * [|Therm. Conductivity (J/m sec K):] || 0 ||
 * [|Elec. Conductivity (1/mohm cm):] || 0 ||
 * [|Abundance, Solar System:] || No data ||
 * [|Abundance, Earth's Crust:] || -12.4 ||
 * [|Pure Cost ($/100g):] || ||
 * [|Bulk Cost ($/100g):] || ||
 * [|Source:] || Synthetic (Ra-226 decay) ||  ||


 * AREA 4 ELEMENT USES, What is Radon?**

Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water.

The release of this radioactive gas enters the air you breathe, causing a potential health risk to you and your family.

Radon gas can be found in just about anywhere. It can get into any type of building -- homes, offices, and schools -- and build up to high levels. **What you should know about Radon**

**Radon is a cancer causing radioactive gas.** You cannot see radon and you cannot smell it or taste it, but it may be a problem in your home. This is because when you breathe air-containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.


 * You should test for radon.** Testing is the only way to find out about your home's radon level. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing of all homes below the third floor for radon.


 * You can fix a radon problem.** If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

**What are the Risk Factors?**
 * If you are buying a home**. EPA recommends that you obtain the radon level in the home you are considering buying. An EPA publication "The Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide" is available through most State Health Departments or Regional EPA offices listed in your local phone book. EPA also recommends that you use a certified or state licensed radon tester to perform the test. If elevated levels are found it is recommended that these levels be reduced. In most cases, a professional can accomplish this at reasonable cost or homeowner installed mitigation system that adheres to the EPA's approved methods for reduction of radon in a residential structure.

The EPA, Surgeon General and The Center for Disease Control, have all agreed that continued exposure to Radon gas can cause lung cancer.

In fact, their position on the matter is that all homes should be tested for radon gas exposure, and all homes testing over 4 pCi/L should be fixed. **How Does Radon Enter the Home?**

Typically the air pressure inside your home is lower than the pressure in the soil around your home's foundation.

Due to this difference, your house acts like a vacuum, drawing radon gas in through foundation cracks and other openings of your home.

Radon may also be present in well water and can be released into the air in your home when water is used for showering and other household uses. || **1** || Cavities inside walls || **2** || Cracks in solid floors || **3** || Construction joints ||
 * **Potential Entry Points:**
 * **4** || Cracks in walls || **5** || The water supply || **6** || Gaps in suspended floors ||
 * **7** || Gaps around service pipes ||||||||  ||   ||

** Area 5: Other Information-** There are thirty four known [|isotopes] of [|**radon**] (**Rn**). The most stable isotope is 222Rn, which is a [|decay product] (daughter product) of [|226Ra], has a [|half-life] of 3.823 days and emits [|alpha particles]. 220Rn is a natural decay product of [|thorium] and is called “thoron.” It has a half-life of 55.6 seconds and also emits alpha radiation. 219Rn is derived from [|actinium], is called “actinon,” is an alpha emitter and has a half-life of 3.96 seconds.

Chemists are trying to make compounds of radon, but the task is difficult. One compound that //has// been made is radon fluoride. In any event, such compounds are laboratory curiosities and have no commercial uses.

Cost
Radon is available at a cost of about $4/m

http://homebuying.about.com/cs/radongas/a/radon_gas.htm**
 * INTRESTING RADON WEBSITE: