| Agent Name |
Radon |
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| CAS Number |
10043-92-2 |
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| Formula |
Rn |
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| Major Category |
Radiation Hazards |
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| Category |
Radionuclides |
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| Description |
A naturally occurring gas that is colorless, odorless, and chemically inert; [EPA Radionuclides] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Has been used to treat cancer; [EPA Radionuclides] |
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| Comments |
Most Important Radionuclide: Radon-222
Source: Decay product of radium-226 in the decay series of uranium-238
Half-Life: 3.8 days
Specific Activity: 160,000 Ci/gm
Decay Mode: Alpha
Critical Organ: Lung
Internal Toxicity: High
Annual Limit on Intake: 0.1 mCi
Radiation Energy (MeV): Alpha 5.49 (100%) + daughters;
[See Glossary for references.] See "Radiation, ionizing."
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| Restricted |
One in 15 homes in the USA have levels above 4 pCi/l, the level that EPA recommends homeowners not exceed; [EPA Radionuclides] |
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| Reference Link |
ATSDR - Index, Radon Toxicity Case Study |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
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| Explanatory Notes |
OSHA, MSHA, and ACGIH have set the dose limits for workers exposed to radon daughters at 4 Working Level Months (WLM/year). [ATSDR Case Studies] |
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| Reference Link |
ATSDR ToxFAQs - Radon |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Lung Cancer |
Yes |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: RADON, RADIOACTIVE IONIZING RADIATION
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