Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which has no smell, colour or taste. It comes from the radioactive decay of radium, which is present in small amounts in rocks and soil. Radon is chemically inert, so it can easily escape from the ground into the air where it can be inhaled.
As radon is naturally present in the air, our day-to-day life at home and at work always results in some exposure to radon. In outdoor air radon concentrations are very low. Indoors the concentration of radon can be higher, as buildings have the effect of trapping radon. Radon levels vary depending on the type of house and the flow of air through the home. There are places where radon levels can be high, posing a potential health risk. Examples are some house basements, tourist caves, or poorly ventilated underground mines.
Is radon a problem in Australian homes?
Relative to most other countries, the typical levels of radon measured in Australian homes are low. This aligns with the modelled radon potential for Australia. For a particular house in a specific location, factors such as the local geology and house type could lead to different values. If you are concerned about the radon levels in your home, it is easy to have it tested. Radon meters can be hired via ARPANSA’s meter hire service.
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