Radon is a natural radioactive gas which has no taste, smell or colour. Special equipment is needed to detect it.

WHERE DOES RADON COME FROM ?

Radon comes from the radioactive decay of radium, which in turn comes from the radioactive decay of uranium.
Uranium acts as a permenant source of radon and is found in small quantities in all soils and rocks, although the amount varies from place to place.
Radon in the soil and rocks mixes with air and rises to the surface where it is quickly diluted in the atmosphere.
Concentrations in the open air are very low. Radon that enters enclosed spaces, such as houses, can reach high concentrations in some circumstances.

HOW CAN RADON AFFECT ME?

When radon decays, it forms minute particles of other substances which are also radioactive. These are called radon decay products or radon daughters. If formed in air, these particles may be inhaled and some will be deposited in the lungs. The radiation emitted by them as they decay can give a high dose to lung tissues and damage them. Exposure to radon and its decay products increases the risk of developing lung cancer.