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gas can accumulate, particularly in dwellings that are air-tight. Homes with basements are more likely to have elevated radon levels, than those with vented crawl spaces.
Radon decays rather quickly and in the process changes into polonium 281, polonium 214, bismuth 214 and lead 214, all of which are radioactive. It is the alpha particles emitted from these metals that are the health hazard as they are inhaled with dust, smoke, and household air. In the lungs these radioactive isotopes emit alpha radiation which disrupts cell and tissue growth. Since smoke attracts and transports the particles, cigarette smokers and those who live with them are believed to be at greater risk for lung cancer. Children are at particular risk since they are generally more susceptible to cancer causing agents.
Specialists at the University of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Poison Center advise homeowners who live in areas where radon is a potential risk to test for it. “Properly conducted, a
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