What is radon gas?

What is radon gas?

• A. a volatile organic compound that can cause adverse health effects
• B. a synthetic radioactive compound emitted to the atmosphere from nuclear reactor cooling water
• C. a radioactive gas characterized by pungent taste and odor
• D. a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer

Answer: (D)

Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the decay of uranium in soil and rocks. It can seep from the ground into buildings and accumulate to levels that pose serious health risks. Because it has no taste, smell, or color, you can’t detect it without testing, which is why radon is a major indoor air concern. Long-term exposure to elevated radon increases the risk of lung cancer, making it the best description: a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. It is not a volatile organic compound, not synthetic, and not identified by any odor, so those statements don’t fit radon.

Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the decay of uranium in soil and rocks. It can seep from the ground into buildings and accumulate to levels that pose serious health risks. Because it has no taste, smell, or color, you can’t detect it without testing, which is why radon is a major indoor air concern. Long-term exposure to elevated radon increases the risk of lung cancer, making it the best description: a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. It is not a volatile organic compound, not synthetic, and not identified by any odor, so those statements don’t fit radon.