How Does Radon Gas Differ From Other Gases?

Radon is one of the seven noble gases, and it’s much different from all the others. Noble gases are the least reactive chemical elements, as they have little tendency to accept or donate electrons to form chemical bonds. Follow along to learn how else radon gas differs from other gases.

It’s High-Density

Interestingly, radon gas is extremely dense. Although it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless at room temperature, radon is actually the heaviest known gas. In fact, it’s approximately 8 times denser than air and more than 100 times heavier than hydrogen.

Although radon gas is heavy, air movement and pressure still easily affect it. For example, a forced heating and cooling system can move radon around the entire home or building.

It’s Radioactive

Radon, thoron, and actinon are the three radioactive gases, and they’re isotopic to each other, meaning they all have the atomic number 86. Radioactive elements—including radon gas—emit ionizing radiation as their atoms go through radioactive decay. Radioactive decay is the emission of energy in subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves. Ionizing radiation can cause damage to living tissues and DNA. As a result, coming in contact with any radioactive elements, including radon, is a health risk.

It Has Delayed Health Effects

Unlike carbon monoxide or other home pollutants, radon gas produces a delayed adverse health effect. Detecting radon is already nearly impossible, since it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless; furthermore, the delayed health effects makes it even more difficult to catch without testing. As a result, you might live with radon in your home for many years without suspecting a thing.

Understanding how radon differs from other gases is imperative to keeping your family safe. Most professionals recommend testing your home for radon at least every two years to ensure you’re not unknowingly exposing your family to the radioactive gas. For radon mitigation services in Colorado Springs, CO, visit Affordable Radon Services online. Our team is here to keep you and your family out of harm’s way.