Radonsources inindoors: a review paper

Radon is a noble gas formed from the natural radioactive decay of uranium (U) and thorium (Th), natural components of the earth‟s crust, which decay to radium (Ra) and then to radon (Rn). The primary sources of indoor radon were identified and the immediate solutions are recommended as the way to reduce its health hazards. The sources include soil, building materials and water. Within the frame work of a simple steady-state analysis of the radon concentration in a model of atypical house, the potential contribution to indoor radon levels from each source is determined. The purpose of this paper is to examine the significant sources of indoor radon as well as its primary path ways into the indoor environment. The health effects of radon on humans were traced and it is the second cause for human lung cancer next to smoking. While an exact modeling of indoor radon levels is not possible, the simple analysis presented here may be used to determine the potential contribution of each source to the total average radon concentration in a house building. This information is particularly valuable in assigning logical priorities for the development of radon control measures and devices which will be both practical and effective in houses to minimize the radon concentration and its effect.