A map revealed radioactive gas hotspots in Glasgow.
Radon consists of radioactive decay of small amounts of uranium that can be found naturally in all rocks and soils.
It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless but ubiquitous.
However, the UK government states that “every building contains radon but levels are usually low”.
And that “the chances of the higher level depend on the type of land.”
The radiation emitted from the elements can increase the risk of cancer.
The UK government has released a map showing where levels are most likely to rise.
The darker the color, the greater the chance of a higher level. The chance is less than one in a hundred homes in the white areas and more than one in three in the darkest areas.
The map shows that areas in Glasgow’s city center and the West End have been identified as hotspots, extending across most of the area along the River Clyde.
Likewise, hotspots have been identified in and around Drumchapel, with areas in Maryhill also affected.
On the south side, a cluster of areas have been identified near Pollock Country Park and Queens Park.
What is radon?
Radon is a natural radioactive gas that we cannot see, smell or taste.
The gas consists of the radioactive decay of small amounts of uranium that occurs naturally in rocks and soil.
Why is it dangerous to our health?
When radioactive elements decay, they emit radiation. Exposure to this is a risk to our health as radiation can cause damage to living tissue and increase the risk of cancer in humans.
where is?
Radon is ubiquitous due to its formation from uranium in all rocks and soils.
Why is radiation harmful?
We are all exposed to radiation from both natural and human-made sources, but the radioactive elements formed by the decay of radon can be inhaled and enter our lungs.
Once inside our lungs, these elements continue to degrade and emit radiation and then absorbed by nearby lung tissue and cause local damage.
Studies have shown that increased exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer.
