Should we fear radon, this radioactive gas coming from underground?

by time news

2023-10-03 12:32:26

By Cécile Thibert

Published 2 hours ago, Updated 37 minutes ago

Since the 1980s, studies have highlighted an increased risk of lung cancer among miners who worked in uranium mines, the radioactive compound from which radon comes. antoine2k – stock.adobe.com

DECRYPTION – This natural gas, resulting from the disintegration of uranium, is found mainly in Brittany, in the Massif Central and even in Corsica. In high doses, it increases the risk of lung cancer.

It is present everywhere but we can neither see it nor feel it. THE radon is a radioactive gas that emanates naturally from soils and rocks before entering the air. In France, it is mainly concentrated in the large granite massifs because they are rich in uranium (another radioactive element from which it comes): the Armorican Massif in Brittany, the Massif Central, the Pyrenees, Corsica, the Vosges or even Guyana and Mayotte. In these regions, the probability of having high concentrations of radon in the indoor air of buildings is high. This wouldn’t be a problem if this gas were harmless… Except it’s not. Indeed, beyond a certain level and duration of exposure, the risk of developing lung cancer increases. Where is radon found? How do you know if your home or workplace is affected? What measures to take? Answers with a specialist.

« The first studies which highlighted…

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