Scientist Identifies New Ways to Detect Radon
A team led by Professor Ivan J. Dmochowski has recently discovered how the use of xenon gas can prevent the effects of radon exposure. Radon is an extremely dangerous radioactive gas that develops from uranium decay and can have drastic effects on a person's health. This radioactive gas is only second to smoking for causing lung cancer related deaths.
Many homeowners are often unaware of their exposure to radon and how it can affect their household. This is why it is important to have your house checked regularly for radon exposure. More than 20,000 deaths each year are caused by radon gas exposure. Dmochowski's research has made it easier for people to be safe from hazardous effects of caused by radon.
Their Discovery
Dmochowski recently conducted an experiment testing how radon reacts with other discrete molecules. Along with undergraduate and graduate students, Dmochowski discovered how xenon, a gas similar to radon, interacts with the organic molecule cryptophane. Their research has made them the first to measure how radon binds to discrete molecules.
Dmochowski's team measured a solution of radon and a new water-soluble cryptophane. This measurement was important because it showed radon's affinity constant. This is a measure of how much radon was bound to cryptophane at a given temperature.
Modern Day Use for the Experiment
Professor Dmochoski said, "Now that we have a robust method for measuring radon binding to discrete entities, we could apply it to things like proteins found in the lungs. If you know radon's affinity for those proteins, you have a better idea of the concentration and timescale over which it will be dangerous." Dmochowki's team is planning to use their new discovery to better MRI contrast agents and to extract radon from groundwater.
What Does This Mean
This discovery advances technology that can be used to help radon testing better detect radon and protect people from radon's hazardous effects. Their findings can help protect homeowners from being unknowingly exposed to radon daily.
Advancements like these are making it easier for local radon mitigation contractors to develop new technologies to further assist homeowners in the fight against radon.
If you have any questions regarding radon mitigation or its potential hazardous health effects, contact your local radon mitigation experts today! They will be able to direct you on how to reduce your family's radon exposure risk.
