No abstract

Radon is a natural radioactive gas used to estimate the radioactive hazard in the environment. Radon (222Rn), which is one of the daughters of uranium (238U), represents the most essential isotope, with a half-life of 3.825 days. The associated health risks due to inhalation and ingestion of radon and its progeny when present in enhanced levels in an indoor environment like a human dwelling have been documented. In this chapter, we have discussed the sources and techniques besides the methods used for measuring radon gas in the environment including soil, water, building materials, etc., which are well documented. A wide range of techniques for the detection and quantification of radon has been developed over the last few years. There is no single technique that can meet all the requirements of the different types of the radon measurements. Finally, we have mentioned the most essential information effecting the radon monitoring in the environment and the methods of measuring and controlling the concentration values throughout the environment; we have also mentioned the effect of radon on the inhabitants through the estimation of the effective dose rates and lung cancer risk due to radon gas when its values exceed the action level values.