|
|
|
|
Trace
Elements Laboratory |
 |
|
A
Joint Venture of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's
Health Care London
|
|
Radon
(Rn)
|
|
This element is not currently measured in this
laboratory.
|
| Atomic Number: |
86
|
| Atomic Symbol: |
Rn
|
| Atomic Weight: |
222
|
| Electron Configuration: |
[Xe]6s24f145d106p6 |
At ordinary
temperatures radon is a colourless gas. When cooled below
the freezing point, radon
exhibits a brilliant phosphorescence which becomes yellow
as the temperature is lowered and
orange-red at the temperature of liquid air. The main hazard
is from inhalation of the element and its
decay products which are collected on dust in the air. Recently,
radon buildup in homes from the
surrounding soil and rocks has become a safety issue and
some areas around the world test homes for radon gas. It
is the heaviest known gas. ispresent in some spring waters.
|
|
|
