Radon Experiment essays

Radon Experiment essays The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of radon in the homes of students and affiliates from St. Marks High School, see if the amounts were normal and satisfactory for EPA guidelines, and to note any patterns that occurred. To conduct the experiment, prepared test packages were distributed, used in individual homes, and sent to the lab for analytical purposes. Results were then sent from the lab back to the individual. Overall, the results showed no significant pattern, but certain cities tended to have higher values. Also, a few individual homes had high enough levels of radon to warrant corrective action according to EPA guidelines. According to this sample, the amounts in Delaware are not enough to warrant a massive effort to reduce radon despite the few outliers that could be explained by other variables. Therefore, Delawares radon levels are at acceptable levels. Radon is a colorless, tasteless radioactive gas produced naturally during the radioactive decay of uranium in the earths crust. It generally seeps through the ground and enters buildings, where it can accumulate to high levels. The reason it is dangerous is because of the alpha particles it emits, which is a form of ionizing radiation that is very damaging to body tissue. It is possible for the particles to become lodged in ones lungs and damage surrounding tissue and it greatly increases the risk of lung cancer. If high levels are found, the concentrations of it can be minimized by sealing basements concrete floors and by ventilating crawl spaces and basements. In Delaware specifically, results are expected to be less than four picocuries per liter of air. The test for radon was conducted using a prepared packet full of a substance that absorbed radon. The package was left in a room in the home for approximately three days and then sealed and sent to the lab. The ...