Where does Radon come from?

Answer 1

On average, there is one atom of radon in 1 x 1021 molecules of air. Radon can be found in some spring waters and hot springs. The towns of Misasa, Japan, and Bad Kreuznach, Germany boast radium-rich springs which emit radon.
Radon emanates naturally from the ground, particularly in certain regions, especially (but not only) regions with granitic soils. However, not all granitic regions are prone to high emissions of radon. Depending on how houses are built and ventilated, radon may accumulate in basements and dwellings. The highest average radon concentrations in counties in the US are found in Iowa and in the Appalachian Mountains areas in south-eastern Pennsylvania.
Radon, along with other noble gases krypton and xenon, is also produced during the operation of nuclear power plants. A small fraction of it leaks out of the fuel, through the cladding and into the cooling water, from which it is scavenged. It is then routed to a holdup tank where it remains for a large number of half-lives. It is finally purged to the open air through a tall stack which is carefully monitored for radiation level.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radon#Occurrence

Answer 2

Radon is the nucleur decomposition product of the element Radium. Radium ocurrs naturally in the soil. It is estimated that 1 square mile of soil 1 inch thick contains a gram of Radium. Radium is also why Brazil nuts are mildly radioactive. Solid Radium decomposes into Radon gas and a form of radioactivity known as an "alpha particle". Radon gas will then decompose and emit a second alpha particle. Alpha particles are known as "ionizing radiation". They are basically Helium nucleui with no electrons. These particles then acquire electrons from other forms of matter. If the material is DNA, this damage can lead to genetic mutations and possibly cancer. Alpha particles are not energetic enough to penetrate skin but since Radon is a gas, it can be inhaled. Radium is most concentrated in minerals such as granite. Houses built in areas where granite ocurrs can have elevated levels of Radon gas. The gas is heavier than air and can accumulate in basements. The levels of Radon are extremely low, but a statistics study showed a correlation between Radon levels and the ocurrance of cancer. Because of this, "radon proofing" became a very profitable business in America.

Answer 3

Radon is the gaseous byproduct of the internal breakdown of nuclear materials that are inside the earth naturally.

Answer 4

Trace amounts of radioactive uranium occur naturally in rock and soil. This uranium gradually decays into lead, but via a whole series of intermediate dacay products. One of these intermediate decay products is radon.

Look up the "uranium decay series" if you want more details.

Answer 5

its a type of pollution with gases and stuff!!