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Radon is a problem in nuclear power plants, just like it is a problem in any building.

In the RCA (Radiologically Controlled Area), however, radon buildup (such as what might be encountered in poorly ventilated areas) can cause particulate contamination, making it difficult to exit the RCA checkpoint. This can be reduced a bit by not wearing polyester based clothing, because the particulates are held by static electricity.

The issue with the RCA checkpoint is that it is difficult to determine if the "contamination" is radon induced or is real contamination. The end result is delay in exiting.

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What are the causes of radiation pollution?

Radon gas, nuclear power plants


Some knowledge of radioactivity would be useful for understanding which subjects?

certain medical procedures, determining ages of fossils, radon in homes nuclear power plants


Is radon a form of nuclear force?

Radon is a radioactive gas and one of the noble gases. Dangerous.


Are you greater at risk from nuclear power stations or the radiation in your own homes?

This really depends on circumstances. And it depends on what you mean by risk. Many houses have problems with radon gas. This is a naturally occurring radioactive substance that comes from different kinds of rocks. Houses with granite foundations usually have this problem. Rocks under the house can leak radon through the basement floor or foundation into the house. Wells can produce water with radon dissolved in it. There is a certain level of risk with this. The problem can be addressed, however, by venting. Nuclear power plants are generally careful about leakage. Some leaks are rather common - over a quarter of nuclear power plants in the United States leak tritiated water. And there are often releases of small amounts of radioactive materials, particularly tritium. Occasionally, other radioactive substances are leaked or lost. But for most houses, the amount of radioactivity from normal plant operations is small, compared to what is naturally occurring. There have been reports of clusters of cancer, miscarriage, and so on, in the neighborhood of nuclear power plants, but analysis of these reports is confusing, in part because such clusters also occur elsewhere. Furthermore, we do not know whether these problems came from the plants themselves or other factors. We can feel confident that for most people, most radioactivity comes from nature, provided there is no unusual spillage from the plant. So, perhaps the answer is, as regards health, for most people, in most houses, you are at greater risk from natural radiation in your homes than from nuclear power plants, provided nothing ever goes wrong at the nuclear power plant. Of course there is another aspect to risk, and that refers to other things than health. A large area, larger than some states of the United States, could have to be evacuated for a period of years because of a catastrophe at a nuclear power plant. In such a case, large numbers of people would lose their jobs and homes. Businesses, even as large as local banks and insurance companies, would simply fold in such an event. The risk of this happening from a nuclear power plant is very real. But the risk of this from radiation in homes is non-existent.


How are people exposed to radiation?

People can be exposed to radiation through natural sources like the sun or radon gas, as well as through medical procedures like x-rays or radiation therapy. Additionally, exposure can occur from man-made sources such as nuclear power plants, nuclear weapons testing, or accidents like Chernobyl or Fukushima.


What amount of radiation is received by US citizens from normally operating nuclear power plants compared to natural background radiation?

Radiation levels are measured now in millisieverts(mSv), formerly they were in Rem. The relation is 1 Rem = 10 millisieverts. Typical background levels for North America are 3 mSv/year, but there will be variations from place to place, depending on the type of underlying rocks and whether radon is present (radon is a radioactive gas produced by radium decay). The average extra dose received by nuclear plant workers (in the US) is 2.4 mSv/year. I doubt if any extra radiation to the general public can be attributed to nuclear plants in normal operation. See link given below


What is the decay process does radium 226 undergo including the nuclear changes that occur?

Radium-226--------------------Radon-222 + alpha


What equipment would I need for radon testing?

You need a radon detector to perform radon testing. Essentially it's a geiger counter. Radon is radioactive and you locate it just the same way. Many radon alarms are available for areas where Radon is a problem. You would need a radon detector for radon testing. You can purchase one from amazon.com for $130 shipped. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CEAY64


What is the source that the average person receives the largest dose of radiation?

The largest dose of radiation that the average person receives is from natural background radiation, which comes from cosmic rays, radon gas, and radioactive materials in the Earth's crust. This exposure is generally higher than radiation received from medical procedures or nuclear power plants.


How do you Eliminate radon from drinking water?

Radon is an important problem for the atmosphere in the buildings not for the water. Radon from the water can be eliminated by boiling the water. Also because the most important isotope pf radon, 222Rn, has a half life of only 3,8235 days radon disappear after a period of time.


Are there any companies that offer radon remediation?

There are actually a lot of detectors you can get for your home that will see if you have a radon problem. Here is a link to a government website with more information. www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/consguid.html


What industry is radon used in?

Radon is primarily used in the nuclear industry, especially for the calibration of instruments and equipment. It is also used in certain medical applications, such as in radiation therapy for cancer treatment.