What is radon?

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Multiple Choice

What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rocks and soil. As uranium-238 breaks down, it forms radon-222, a noble gas that can move through soil and seep into buildings. It’s colorless and odorless, so people often aren’t aware of its presence, but its short-lived decay products emit alpha radiation that can damage lung tissue over time and increase lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. This is why radon is considered a health concern in indoor environments. The other options don’t fit: it isn’t generated from chlorine decay, it isn’t non-radioactive, and it isn’t a volatile organic compound from solvents.

Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rocks and soil. As uranium-238 breaks down, it forms radon-222, a noble gas that can move through soil and seep into buildings. It’s colorless and odorless, so people often aren’t aware of its presence, but its short-lived decay products emit alpha radiation that can damage lung tissue over time and increase lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. This is why radon is considered a health concern in indoor environments. The other options don’t fit: it isn’t generated from chlorine decay, it isn’t non-radioactive, and it isn’t a volatile organic compound from solvents.

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