Understanding the Hidden Killer, Radon: Methods to Prevent Harm from the Carcinogenic Substance, Radon.

Radon is a silent threat lurking in our surroundings. This naturally occurring radioactive gas is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen that can cause lung cancer. Particularly, radon can lead to various diseases including lung cancer, leukemia, skin cancer, brain tumors, cardiac arrest, and stroke. Despite its dangers, radon is colorless and odorless, making it easy for people to ignore or overlook. However, the number of deaths due to radon exposure is significant, with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warning that more people die from radon exposure than from traffic accidents.

 

Radon is an undeniable threat. To minimize harm from radon exposure, we must take measures such as proper ventilation, selecting suitable building materials, and cleaning.

 

The Risks of Radon and EPA's Warning

Radon is difficult for people to perceive due to its colorless and odorless nature. However, this characteristic earns radon the moniker of a clandestine threat. Radon can be present in our surroundings, not only in homes but also in basements, high-rise apartments, schools, offices, and various other places. Radon can originate from diverse sources such as building materials, soil, and rocks, and can infiltrate indoors through floors, walls, pipes, and other pathways. Particularly, South Korea is known to have high levels of radon occurrence in granite areas, with radon concentrations higher than the global average.

 

Methods to Mitigate Radon Exposure

Several measures are necessary to minimize harm from radon exposure. Firstly, when constructing buildings, it's crucial to use materials with minimal radon emissions. Additionally, sealing any gaps where contamination could infiltrate and incorporating daily ventilation to expel accumulated radon gas indoors or dilute its concentration with fresh outdoor air is advisable. Moreover, precautions should be taken to prevent radon from combining with fine dust particles. Inhaling radon combined with fine dust can damage lung cells and bronchi, making it important to clean the fine dust.

 

Measuring Radon Levels and Establishing Proper Ventilation Patterns

Since radon can infiltrate indoor and outdoor environments, finding appropriate ventilation patterns is essential. It's advisable to use air purifiers or similar devices to measure radon levels and establish suitable ventilation patterns. When opening windows for ventilation, it's crucial to determine the most appropriate times and ensure that indoor radon levels do not exceed safe levels. Maintaining indoor radon levels below 4 pCi/L (148 Bq/m³) is recommended.

 

Radon is an undeniable threat. To minimize harm from radon exposure, we must take measures such as proper ventilation, selecting suitable building materials, and cleaning. While radon is a hidden danger, appropriate responses and actions can mitigate its harm.