A Quick Physics of Radon: How Radon Enters Lake Tahoe Homes
Radon (Rn) is on "nature's ingredient list" The Periodic Table of Elements, and it floats up from the ground and into buildings.
A Little Bit of Physics of Radon
Let's explore the physics of Radon. It's actually just another of the things in nature that has been trying to kill us since time began. Yet, we survive, and that's a good thing.
The EPA illustrates Radon using a drawing that shows a two-story home with Radon symbols flowing up out of the ground and entering the building through a variety of places.
The point is that Radon is as natural as natural can be, since it's found in the soils and air around us. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe and the homes we live in. However, even though there is Radon all around us in the air, this isn't as much of a concern as air that gets trapped in homes, where Radon can build up. That's because the air outside is moving and dilutes the concentration of Radon.
How Radon Gets Into Homes
When to be concerned about Radon in the air is indoors. This is because, as the guide explains, "Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. . . Your home can trap Radon inside. Any home can have a Radon problem. This means new and old homes, well sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time."
There's a lot more physics to Radon and how it can build up in buildings, if you're interested in physics and such (which we are). We will explore more technical aspects of Radon as we progress through the pages of Radon At Tahoe.
What About Your Locale?
Whether living at Lake Tahoe or anywhere else, the EPA reminds us all that we can contact our state EPA office for local information about Radon. That's a good reason to get a copy of the guide, or use your favorite search engine to find your state radon office or health department.
Find out more by clicking on one of the navigation links below.
Navigation: More Radon Information
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