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!