Where Does Radon Come From?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can't see, smell, or taste. Despite its invisible nature, radon can pose serious health risks if it accumulates in high levels within homes and buildings. Understanding where radon comes from is essential in mitigating its presence and ensuring a safe living environment.

Radon is produced from the natural breakdown of uranium found in soil, rock, and water. As uranium decays, it transforms through several stages, eventually becoming radium, which then decays into radon gas. This process is a part of the radioactive decay chain, which has been occurring for billions of years. The key points in the formation of radon are:

• 1.Uranium Decay: Uranium is a common element found in varying concentrations in the Earth's crust. Over time, uranium decays into radium.

• 2.Radium Decay: Radium is also radioactive and decays into radon gas. This step is crucial because radon is a gas, unlike uranium and radium, which are solids.

• 3.Radon Release: Once formed, radon gas can move through the soil and enter the air we breathe. Because it is a gas, radon can seep into homes and buildings through cracks and openings in foundations, walls, and floors.