Appearance and Characteristics
Harmful effects:
Radon is highly radioactive and a carcinogen. Its decay products are toxic and radioactive. Radon is present in most homes and is the number one cause of lung-cancer in non-smokers in the USA. (See video on left.)
Characteristics:
Radon is one of the noble gases; hence it is a chemically inert, monatomic gas. It is also radioactive, colorless and odorless. Radon is produced naturally by the decay of uranium’s decay products, such as 226Ra.
Uses of Radon
Radon was used for treating cancer by radiotherapy. Safer treatments are now available.