Examples of radon in the following topics:
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- The biggest source of natural background radiation is airborne radon, a radioactive gas that emanates from the ground.
- Radon and its isotopes, parent radionuclides, and decay products all contribute to an average inhaled dose of 1.26 mSv/a.
- Radon seeps out of these ores into the atmosphere or into ground water; it can also infiltrate into buildings.
- Some of these decay products, like radium and radon, are intensely radioactive but occur in low concentrations.
- Examples of these are radium-226 (a decay product of uranium-238) and radon-222 (a decay product of radium-226).
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- Not only are unstable radium isotopes significant radioactivity emitters, but as the next stage in the decay chain they also generate radon, a heavy, inert, naturally occurring radioactive gas.
- Rock containing thorium and/or uranium (such as some granites) emits radon gas, which can accumulate in enclosed places such as basements or underground mines.
- Radon exposure is considered the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.