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United States

Environmental Protection

Agency

U.S. EPA Radiation Education Activities:

Radon

Radon is one of the most serious environmental health threats in the nation. Exposure to radon

causes almost 21,000 deaths each year. This makes it the second leading cause of lung cancer

for the nation as a whole. Nationally, one out of every fifteen U.S. homes has a problem with

elevated radon levels. You cannot see radon, but it's not hard to find out if radon is a problem in

your home. Radon can be detected with a simple test and elevated radon levels can be lowered

with straightforward, proven methods. Testing is quick, easy and inexpensive.

Target Audience and Activity Topics

The Radon activities introduce middle and high school students to radon’s physical properties

and its health effects. The activities encourage students to test their homes and implement

ways to reduce their exposure to radon.

Students will examine how radon moves through the ground and enters homes and buildings

through cracks and gaps. The students will learn about solutions available to reduce elevated

radon levels. Students will evaluate sample radon readings and determine if fixes need to be

made to the home or building. Students are encouraged to test their homes using a short-term

test kit and analyze their readings. These activities also examine radon’s decay chain, the halflife of radon and how these by-products can get trapped in the lungs and cause cancer.

NOTE: The term “radiation” used in these activities refers to ionizing radiation unless otherwise

indicated.

Activity Times

All U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Radiation Education Activities can be used

individually or modified and combined to create multiple lessons. Activity options allow you to

customize the activities to fit the time you have available (e.g., 1–2 class periods) and meet the

needs and interests of your students.

The time needed to complete activities is between 45-60 minutes, not including optional

activities or extensions.

Next Generation Science Standards

The concepts within these activity sets can be used to support the following science standards:



ESS2. Earth’s Systems

ESS3. Earth and Human Activity

ETS1. Engineering Design

PS1. Structure and Properties of Matter

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

The concepts in the Vocabulary Activities align with the following CCSS English Language Arts

Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects:

 Key Ideas and Details: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-12.2

 Craft and Structure: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-12.4

 Vocabulary Acquisition and Use: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6-12.6

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 2 of 33

Table of Contents

Radon: Teacher Background Information .................................................................................. 4

Radon Vocabulary Activities ...................................................................................................... 7

Activity 1: Ground Up .................................................................................................................. 9

Radon Zones Map .................................................................................................................... 12

Ground Up Worksheet .............................................................................................................. 13

Ground Up: Teacher Answer Key ............................................................................................ 14

Ground Up Data Sheet ............................................................................................................. 15

Activity 2: Radon Vacuum ......................................................................................................... 16

Radon ....................................................................................................................................... 19

Radon Vacuum Worksheet ...................................................................................................... 20

Activity 3: Indoor Radon Levels ............................................................................................... 21

Radon Testing Devices ............................................................................................................ 23

Radon Testing Worksheet ........................................................................................................ 24

Radon Testing: Teacher Answer Key ....................................................................................... 25

Activity 4: The Half-Life of Radon ............................................................................................ 26

Radon-222 Decay Chain .......................................................................................................... 29

Half-Life Data Sheet ................................................................................................................. 30

Half-Life: Teacher Answer Key ................................................................................................. 32

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 3 of 33

Radon: Teacher Background Information

You can't see radon. You can't smell it or taste it either, but it may be a problem in your home or

school. Radon is a radioactive gas found in rock, soil and water. Radon is found all over the U.S.

It can get into any type of building — homes, offices and schools — and result in a high indoor

radon level. You and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where

you spend most of your time. The only way to know if your home or school has a radon problem

is to test for it.

Breathing radon increases your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung

cancer in the United States. More than 21,000 Americans die each year from radon-related lung

cancer. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. For more information about indoor air

quality and the health risk of radon, visit the Health Risk of Radon page on EPA.gov.

Radon in Homes or Buildings

Radon comes from the decay of uranium that is found in

nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground

to the air above and into your home through cracks and

other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon

inside, where it can reach dangerous levels. Any home

may have a radon problem. This means new and old

homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or

without basements.

Radon can get into homes through:

1. Construction joints

2. Cracks and gaps in floors and walls

3. Gaps around service pipes and through water supply

lines

4. Sometimes radon enters the home through well

water.

Compared to radon entering the home through water, radon entering your home through the

soil is usually a much larger risk. In a small number of homes, the building materials can give

off radon, too.

Radon in Water

Radon in water supplies poses an inhalation risk and an ingestion

risk. Research has shown that the risk of lung cancer from

breathing radon in air is much larger than the risk of stomach

cancer from swallowing water with radon in it. Most of your risk

from radon in water comes from radon released into the air when

water is used for showering and other household purposes.

Radon in your home's water is not usually a problem when it

comes from surface water. A problem is more likely when the

radon source is ground water, such as a private well or a public

water supply system that uses ground water. If you are concerned

about radon coming from a public water supply, contact your water

supplier or the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-4264791.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 4 of 33

Uranium Mining and Radon

Uranium mining releases radon from the ground into the

atmosphere. Underground mines could pose a higher radon risk

to both the public and workers. Mines and mining waste can

release radioactive elements, including radon, and other

pollutants to streams and other bodies of water. Federal and

state agencies have set limits and drinking water standards, and

continue to monitor these sites for public safety.

Uranium mine waste from operations that closed before the mid1970s are of particular concern. Many abandoned uranium

mines are located in the western U.S. and near Native American

communities where uranium is generally found. In some cases,

Uranium miner.

these mines were abandoned and the waste piled near the

Source: National Institute of

Environmental Health Sciences

mine. Weathering can cause radioactive dust to be blown by the

wind and seep into surface and ground water. There are also

cases of uranium mine waste being used for house construction, which creates significant radon

and radiation hazards for the people living in those homes.

Living with Radon

Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you

breathe. As they break down further, these particles release small bursts of energy. This can

damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer. However, not everyone exposed to elevated levels

of radon will develop lung cancer. The amount of time between exposure and the onset of the

disease may be many years.

Like other environmental pollutants, there is some

uncertainty about radon health risks. However, we know

more about radon risks than risks from most other

cancer-causing substances, due to studies of cancer in

humans (including underground miners).

Smoking combined with radon is an especially serious

health risk. If people stop smoking and lower radon

levels in their home, they can reduce their lung cancer

risk significantly.

Radon Testing

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), a

measurement of radioactivity. In the United States, the average indoor radon level is about 1.3

pCi/L. The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L. The U.S. Surgeon General and the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend fixing homes with radon levels at or above

4 pCi/L. EPA also recommends that people consider fixing their homes for radon levels between

2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.

Testing your house for radon is easy. A simple test will tell you if your home has a high radon

level. It’s as easy as opening a package and putting the test kit in the right place for several

days. After sending the test kit back to the address in the package, the company will send your

radon test results in about 2 weeks. Fixing a radon problem reduces the risk of lung cancer for

you and your family.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 5 of 33

How to Get Radon Test Kits

To get an easy‐to‐use radon test kit you can:

• Buy a test kit online or at your local home improvement or hardware store. Many kits are

priced under $25.00.

• Order a test kit at http://www.sosradon.org or by calling 1‐800‐SOS‐RADON

(1‐800‐767‐7236); customizable radon test kit coupons are available too.

• Learn where you can get a radon test kit by visiting https://www.epa.gov/radon/findradon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional#where. Visit

https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-information-about-local-radon-zones-and-state-contactinformation#radonmap to see radon levels.

• Hire a qualified tester to do a radon test for you. Your state radon program may keep a

list of these professionals.

Fixing and Avoiding Radon Problems

Buildings with high levels of radon have been

found in every state. In fact, radon levels can

vary greatly from building to building or home to

home, even in close proximity. There are several

proven methods to reduce radon in buildings, but

the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and

fan which pulls radon from beneath the house

and vents it to the outside. This system, known

as a soil suction radon reduction system, does

not require major changes to the home or

building. Sealing foundation cracks and other

openings makes this kind of system more

effective and cost-effective. Similar systems can

also be installed in houses with crawl spaces.

If radon in water is a problem, it can be fixed.

Water supply treatments can be used to remove

radon from the water before it enters your home,

or at the tap. Treating water at the tap only treats

a small portion of the water you use and is not

effective in reducing the risk from breathing

radon released into the air from all water used in

the home.

Building new homes with simple and

cost‐effective radon‐resistant features can reduce radon. Contact your builder or visit

https://www.epa.gov/radon/building-new-home-have-you-considered-radon for more

information. Every home should be tested before, or soon after, you move in. Even homes built

with radon‐resistant construction features should be tested. If high radon levels are found, it is

easier and costs less to reduce radon levels in homes that are built radon‐resistant.

Additional Resources:

•

RadTown USA: https://www3.epa.gov/radtown

Radon (Rn): https://www.epa.gov/radon

Radon Information for Kids, Students and Teachers: https://www.epa.gov/radon/

radon-information-kids-students-and-teachers

A Citizen’s Guide to Radon: https://www.epa.gov/radon/citizens-guide-radonguide-protecting-yourself-and-your-family-radon

Dose Calculator: https://www.epa.gov/radiation/calculate-your-radiation-dose

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 6 of 33

Radon Vocabulary Activities

The concepts surrounding radiation can be complex. By conducting a vocabulary activity before

beginning an activity or series of activities, students will have a shared base knowledge.

Materials and Resources

•

Vocabulary Materials document.

Materials noted in activity suggestions.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

The concepts in this activity align with the following CCSS English Language Arts Standards for

Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects:

 Key Ideas and Details: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-12.2

 Craft and Structure: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-12.4

 Vocabulary Acquisition and Use: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6-12.6

Vocabulary by Activity

Activity 1: Ground Up

Activity 2: Radon

Vacuum

Activity 3: Indoor

Radon Levels

Life of Radon



Ionizing radiation

Radiation

Radioactive atom

Ionizing radiation

Radiation

Ionizing radiation

Radiation



Ionizing radiation

Radiation

Radon

Uranium

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon



Radioactive decay

Radon

Uranium

Radon

Uranium

Radon

Uranium

Page 7 of 33

Activity Suggestions

•

Identifying images:

o Print the applicable images from the Vocabulary Materials document.

o Display the images around the room or spread them out in an open area on the floor.

o Pronounce the vocabulary words one at a time. NOTE: You can provide the

definition of the given word at this time or after students have identified the words.

o Have students take turns identifying the words in an active manner. Suggestions

include having students move to and identify the correct image, use a flashlight to

point to the correct image (review safety rule: never shine the light in another

person’s eyes), drive a remote control car to the correct image, or throw a bean bag

to land on the correct image.

Matching words and images:

o Print the applicable words and images from the Vocabulary Materials document.

o Give each student a vocabulary word or image. Options: Fold or ball up the copies

and let each student select one. Have students trade their copy with another student

once or twice. NOTE: You may need to participate to have an even number of

participants.

o Direct students to find the person with the matching word or image.

o Review the matches to confirm they are correct.

o Pronounce each word and provide a definition.

Spelling the words:

o Print the applicable words and images from the Vocabulary Materials document.

o Display the words and images.

o Pronounce each word and provide a definition.

o Conduct a spelling activity:

 Have students create a word scramble or word find activity, trade papers and

complete the activity.

 Play spelling basketball. Divide the class into two teams. Pronounce a

vocabulary word. Have a student (alternating between teams) spell or write the

word on the board. Students that spell the word correctly are given an

opportunity to shoot a basket (use a trash can) with a ball of paper (ball) from a

designated distance (or varying distances for a different number of points). The

team that scores the most points wins. You can have students provide a

definition for extra points.

Creating definitions:

o Print the applicable words and images from the Vocabulary Materials document.

o Display the vocabulary words and images.

o Pronounce the vocabulary words.

o Have students work in pairs or small groups to hypothesize and create a definition

for each vocabulary word.

o Options: Direct one student from each pair/group to rotate and join another

pair/group or have two pairs/groups join together. Direct the newly formed groups to

compare their definitions and modify them if desired.

o Review each pair/group’s definitions, have students discuss what they

agree/disagree with and share the accurate definition.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Activity 1: Ground Up

Objectives

Students will:

 Predict whether they live in an area where the potential average indoor radon levels are

low, moderate or high.

 Investigate why indoor radon levels vary.

 Conduct experiments to investigate the movement of radon through the ground.

Next Generation Science Standards

The concepts in this activity can be used to support the following science standards:

 ESS2. Earth’s Systems.

 ESS3. Earth and Human Activity.

Materials and Resources

•

Radon: Teacher Background Information.

Vocabulary Materials.

Radon Zones Map and state radon zones map (display with computer and projector,

copy for students, or allow them to access the maps with student computers):

o EPA Map of Radon Zones: https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-information-about-localradon-zones-and-radon-programs#radonmap

Ground Up Worksheet (one per student, pair or group) and teacher answer key.

Ground Up Data Sheet (one per student, pair or group).

Containers, such as small, clear plastic tubs or clear plastic cups (at least one per pair or

group or one for each type of rock and soil per pair or group).

Rocks and soil representative of the local geology (enough of each type so pairs or

groups can partially fill the tubs or cups).

Straws (at least one per student).

Beakers (one per pair or group).

Water.

Droppers (one per pair or group).

Time

45-60 minutes, not including optional activities or extensions.

Vocabulary



Ionizing radiation

Radiation

Radioactive atom

Radioactive decay

Radon

Uranium

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 9 of 33

Directions

1. Start with a vocabulary activity if students are not familiar with radon and the vocabulary

words used in this activity.

2. Explain that radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of

uranium found in rocks and soils. Human activities, such as uranium mining, can increase the

risk of radon exposure. During the mid-1940s to 1970s, the U.S. was in a race with the Soviet

Union to develop and test nuclear weapons. Nuclear power was also introduced during this

time. Thousands of uranium mines were in operation, primarily in the Western part of the

U.S., and nuclear testing was taking place in the West and in Alaska. When the demand for

uranium decreased, uranium mines and testing areas were abandoned; leaving contaminated

soil and water with high radon levels that has affected disproportionately Native Americans

and Alaska Natives.

Radon is a threat to health because it tends to collect indoors in homes and buildings,

sometimes to very high levels, and can cause lung cancer.

3. Ask students to predict whether they live in an area where the potential average indoor radon

levels are low, moderate or high and explain their reasoning.

4. Display or provide students with a copy of the Radon Zones Map and their state map. State

maps are web-accessible through https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-information-about-localradon-zones-and-radon-programs#radonmap. Explain that the maps show potential average

indoor radon levels by three zones: Zone 1 (red) is predicted to have high indoor radon

levels, Zone 2 (orange) moderate indoor radon levels, and Zone 3 (yellow) low indoor radon

levels.

5. Ask students to hypothesize why certain areas (or the area where they live) have greater

potential for higher indoor radon levels or why two houses side by side can have very

different radon levels. This is due to the geology below the individual homes. It may be

that the rock and soil has a higher uranium (and therefore, radon) content or that the

type of rock and soil and presence of cracks and fissures that might allow radon to

move up more easily through the ground. How well the homes are built, including how

well floors, walls and gaps are sealed or how ventilated the home is, may be other

factors.

6. Distribute the Ground Up Worksheet. Provide rock and soil samples of the local geology and

identify each. Direct students to answer the questions.

7. Distribute the Ground Up Data Sheet. Direct students in completing the experiments and

documenting their findings.

8. Review students’ findings and conclusions when complete. The Ground Up Teacher Answer

Key may serve as a guide.

9. Conclude by asking students if they should rely solely on radon maps to determine whether

they should test their home for radon. Students should recognize the importance of

testing all homes because uranium exists in nearly all rock and soil and the movement

of radon can vary greatly based on the formation of the earth or the presence of

cracks and fissures below individuals’ homes.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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10. Optional activities or extensions: Have students:

 Investigate how scientists collect soil air samples to determine the radon content.

 Investigate local soil air data (check with your state’s radon program), chart the data and

identify areas of concern.

 Examine the local rock and soil types. Plot on a map the geological breakdown of the

area with low, medium and high radon potential. Have students test different areas using

short-term test kits. Plot the results on the map, determine which results correlate with

the radon potential of area and provide possible explanations if the data doesn’t

correlate.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 11 of 33

Radon Zones Map

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created this map to identify areas with the

potential for elevated indoor radon levels. The EPA Map of Radon Zones helps national, state,

and local organizations implement radon-resistant building codes. The map should not be used

to determine if a home in a given zone should be tested for radon. Homes with elevated levels

of radon have been found in all three zones. All homes should be tested for radon.

What do the colors mean?

Zone 1 (red zones)

Highest potential; average indoor radon levels may be

greater than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter)

Zone 2 (orange zones) Moderate potential; average indoor radon levels may be

between 2 and 4 pCi/L

Zone 3 (yellow zones)

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Low potential; average indoor radon levels may be less than

2 pCi/L

Page 12 of 33

Ground Up Worksheet

Name: __________________________________

Date: ____________________

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in nearly all rock and

soil types. Radon moves from the ground up into homes and other buildings.

Read the following questions. Form a hypothesis in response to each question.

1. How does radon move up through rock and soil?

____________________________________________________

2. Examine rock and soil samples that are representative of the

local geology. Which rock and soil types might slow or block

radon’s movement?

____________________________________________________

3. How might ground water or the moisture content of soil affect radon’s movement?

_________________________________________________________________________

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 13 of 33

Ground Up: Teacher Answer Key

1. How does radon move up through rock and soil?

Students should find that radon can move through porous or permeable rocks,

spaces between rocks and gravel, and cracks in rocks and soil. Sandstone tends to

be permeable, and uranium is generally found in sandstone deposits.

2. Examine the rock and soil samples that are representative of the local geology. Which rock

and soil types might slow or block radon’s movement?

Students should find that radon may be blocked by less permeable rock and soil

types like clay, slate and granite. Radon that is trapped in the soil will decay to form

lead.

3. How might ground water or the moisture content of soil affect radon’s movement?

Students should conclude that ground water or moist soils slows down radon

movement.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Ground Up Data Sheet

Name: __________________________________

Date: ____________________

Follow the directions and record your observations and conclusions.

Directions

Observations and Conclusions

1. Fill one or more container(s) one-half to

three-quarters full of individual types of rock

and soil.

2. Insert a straw so it nearly touches the bottom

of the container and blow. Take note of how

easy or hard it is to blow air in the straw and

how gas might travel through the soil.

3. Record your observations.

4. Form a conclusion about how radon, a

radioactive gas, might move up through the

different types of rock and soil.

1. Fill a beaker with water.

2. Fill a dropper with water from the beaker.

3. Place several drops of water on the individual

types of rock and soil. Observe whether the

rock and soil absorb the water. Permeable

rocks and soil allow liquids and gases to

pass through them.

4. Record your observations.

5. Form a conclusion about which types of rock

and soil might slow or block radon’s

movement.

1. Fill a beaker with water.

2. Pour the water over the different types of

rock and soil in the container.

3. Insert a straw so it nearly touches the bottom

of the container and blow. Take note of how

easy or hard it was to blow air in the straw

and how the gas might travel through the

soil.

4. Record your observations.

5. Form a conclusion about how ground water

might impact radon’s movement up through

the ground.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 15 of 33

Activity 2: Radon Vacuum

Objectives

Students will:

 Hypothesize how their home can act like a vacuum, drawing radon in.

 Conduct an experiment and demonstrate how homes act like a vacuum.

 Hypothesize or demonstrate ways to prevent radon from entering the home or ways to

vent the radon out of the home.

Next Generation Science Standards

The concepts in this activity can be used to support the following science standards:

 ESS3. Earth and Human Activity.

 ETS1. Engineering Design.

Materials and Resources

•

Radon: Teacher Background Information.

Vocabulary Materials.

How Radon Travels Image (display using a computer and projector).

Radon Vacuum Worksheet (one per student, pair or group).

Option A for Step 5(per pair or group):

o Empty plastic bottle, 20-ounce or 2-liter.

o Straws (one per student).

o Clay to seal opening of 2-liter bottles.

o Water.

o A container to set under the bottle and collect water.

Option B for Step 5 (per pair or group):

o Two shoe boxes or small boxes.

o Scissors.

o Masking or duct tape.

o Plastic tubing or paper towel tubes.

o Fog machine or materials for a do-it-yourself fog machine with glycerin or dry ice.

Time

45-60 minutes, not including optional activities or extensions.

Vocabulary



Ionizing radiation

Radiation

Radon

Uranium

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 16 of 33

Directions

1. Start with a vocabulary activity if students are not familiar with radon and the terms used in

this activity.

2. Show the Radon image and distribute the Radon Vacuum Worksheet to students.

3. Ask students to hypothesize in question 1 how their home can act like a vacuum, drawing

radon in, and the ways in which radon can enter their home. Answers may vary; however,

the air pressure inside homes is usually lower than pressure in the soil around

foundations. Because of this difference in pressure, your home acts like a vacuum,

drawing radon in through foundation cracks and other openings.

4. Explain that students will have the opportunity to conduct an experiment and demonstrate

how homes act like a vacuum because of lower pressure in the house drawing in radon.

Conversely, the higher pressure of the soil around a home’s foundation will force the radon

inside of the home where the pressure is lower.

5. Select an activity for students to complete and provide them with directions.

• Option A: Direct students to fill the plastic bottle one half to two-thirds full and set the

bottle in the container. Insert a straw into the mouth of the bottle and seal the mouth of

the bottle, around the straw, with clay. Direct students to blow hard and then step back.

Student should see liquid move as the pressure changes in the bottle when they blow

into the straw. NOTE: This activity can be conducted outside.

• Option B: Direct students to secure two boxes together. The bottom box will represent

soil below your home’s foundation and should be sealed shut. The top box will represent

your home and can be open on one side so students can see in. Where the two boxes

are secured together, make several cuts to represent cracks and gaps that might exist in

floors, in walls and around service pipes. Cut a small hole in the bottom box so that fog

can be pumped into the bottom box. Students should see the fog coming through the

cracks and collect in the “home.”

Home

Cuts to represent

cracks and gaps

Soil below home

Opening for fog

6. Ask students to share their observations and conclusions. Students should recognize that

the higher pressure will force radon through cracks and crevices and into homes and

buildings (Option A) or that radon can enter homes through cracks and gaps (Option B).

7. Ask students to investigate and demonstrate ways to prevent radon from entering the home

or ways to vent the radon out of the home. With Option A, students can cut a hole or window

in the bottle to show how ventilation improves air pressure inside the bottle. With Option B,

students can seal up cracks with tape and use plastic tubing or paper towel tubes to take

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 17 of 33

radon directly from the bottom box (soil below the home) straight up and out so that it never

goes into the home. Other options include cutting out/opening windows in the home and

using tubing, vents or exhaust fans to take the radon out of the home.

8. Conclude by having students share at least one thing they have learned about radon.

9. Optional activities or extensions:

• Have students examine radon reduction systems and their costs.

• Invite a radon professional to speak about radon in the area, the importance of testing

homes and ways to reduce radon levels.

• Have students create posters for the National Radon Poster Contest:

http://www.radonleaders.org/

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 18 of 33

How Radon Travels Image

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

Page 19 of 33

Radon Vacuum Worksheet

Name: __________________________________

Date: ____________________

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in nearly all rock and

soil types. Radon moves up from the ground into homes and other buildings.

1. Read the question and form a hypothesis. How can your home act like a vacuum, drawing

radon in? What are some ways radon can enter your home?

_________________________________________________________________________

2. Describe the materials and procedure(s) used to test your

hypothesis.

________________________________________________

3. Summarize your observations and findings.

_________________________________________________________________________

4. Hypothesize and demonstrate ways to prevent radon from entering the home or ways to

vent the radon out of the home.

_________________________________________________________________________

5. Summarize your observations and findings.

_________________________________________________________________________

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Activity 3: Indoor Radon Levels

Objectives

Students will:

 Learn about types of radon testing.

 Analyze radon testing data.

 Compare the data with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommendations.

 Recommend whether to fix the radon levels based on the average indoor radon level.

Next Generation Science Standards

The concepts in this activity can be used to support the following science standards:

 ESS2. Earth’s Systems.

 ESS3. Earth and Human Activity.

Materials and Resources

•

Radon: Teacher Background Information.

Vocabulary Materials.

Radon Testing image.

Computer and projector to display the Radon Testing image.

Radon Testing Worksheet (one per student, pair or group) and teacher answer key.

Radon test kit information:

o Where Can I Get a Radon Test Kit?: https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-radontest-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional#where

Time

30-45 minutes, not including optional activities or extensions.

Vocabulary



Ionizing radiation

Radiation

Radon

Uranium

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Directions

1. Start with a vocabulary activity if students are not familiar with radon and the terms used in this

activity.

2. Explain that radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in rock and soil.

Human activities, such as uranium mining, can increase the risk of radon exposure. During the

mid-1940s to 1970s, the U.S. was in a race with the Soviet Union to develop and test nuclear

weapons. Nuclear power was also introduced during this time. Thousands of uranium mines

were in operation, primarily in the Western part of the U.S., and nuclear testing was taking

place in the West and in Alaska.

When the demand for uranium decreased, uranium mines and testing areas were abandoned;

leaving contaminated soil and water with high radon levels in the areas surrounding mines.

Radon is a threat to health because it tends to collect inside homes and buildings, sometimes

to very high levels, and can cause lung cancer. Any home or building may have a radon

problem, including new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or

without basements. On average, one out of every fifteen U.S. homes has a problem.

3. Ask students how they can test radon levels in their home. Students should be able to state

that they can purchase a test kit or have a professional test their home for radon. Radon

testing is necessary because we cannot detect radon by smell or sight. Students can visit

Where Can I Get a Radon Test Kit?: https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-ormeasurement-and-mitigation-professional#where.

4. Display the Radon Testing image. Explain that there are short-term and long-term testing

options. Short-term tests remain in a home for 2 to 90 days, depending on the device. Longterm tests remain in your home for more than 90 days. A short-term test is less likely than a

long-term test to tell you your year-round average radon level so you may want to follow up

with a second short-term test to confirm the results of the first. Short-term charcoal canister

tests are left in the home for 2 to 7 days to capture radon levels whereas long-term alpha track

detectors can be left in the home for 90 days to a year.

5. Distribute the Radon Testing Worksheet. Have students completed the worksheet and share

their responses. The Radon Testing Teacher Answer Key is provided.

6. Conclude by discussing the importance of testing homes for radon.

7. Optional activities or extensions:

• Contact your state radon program or the regional EPA office and see if it has radon data

from your area that can be charted and analyzed by students.

• Determine if you can get radon test kits and the analyses paid for so that each student can

test their home for radon. Have students compile and analyze the data.

• Have students create posters, raps, videos or other media messages to stress the

importance of radon testing.

• Have students create posters for the National Radon Poster Contest:

http://www.radonleaders.org/

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Radon Testing Devices

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Radon Testing Worksheet

Name: __________________________________

Date: ____________________

The lower the radon levels in your home, the lower your family's risk of lung cancer. The amount

of radon in the air is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) recommends fixing your home if the results of one long-term test or the average

of short-term tests show radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher. You may also want to consider fixing

if the level is between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

Review the test results for each home. Calculate the average of each pair of readings and

determine whether the homeowner should consider fixing the home.

Home A:

Winter reading

Summer reading

3.5 pCi/L

1.0 pCi/L

Average radon level: ________________

Does this home’s radon level need to be fixed? Explain

your answer.

___________________________________________

Home B:

Reading during rainy

season

5 pCi/L

Reading during dry,

windy weather

10.0 pCi/L

Average radon level: ________________

Does this home’s radon level need to be fixed? Explain

your answer.

______________________________________________

When testing your home for radon, why is it important to get a year-round average radon level?

____________________________________________________________________________

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Radon Testing: Teacher Answer Key

Name: __________________________________

Home A:

Date: ____________________

Winter reading

Summer reading

3.5 pCi/L

1.0 pCi/L

Average radon level: 3.5 + 1 = 4.5 / 2 = 2.25 pCi/L

Does this home’s radon level need to be fixed? Explain

your answer.

Answers may vary. This homeowner may want to

consider lowering the indoor radon level, especially

since the reading was higher during the winter.

Home B:

Reading during rainy

season

5.0 pCi/L

Reading during dry,

windy weather

10.0 pCi/L

Average radon level: 5 + 10 = 15 / 2 = 7.5 pCi/L

Does this home’s radon level need to be fixed? Explain

your answer.

This homeowner should definitely consider lowering

the indoor radon level. It is well above EPA’s action

level of 4 pCi/L or higher.

When testing your home for radon, why is it important to get a year-round average radon level?

Radon levels tend to vary from day to day and season to season. For example, rainfall

may slow radon’s movement through soil so that less gets into the home. In dry

periods radon has an easier time moving to the surface through cracks and crevices.

Weather extremes when homes are closed and heat and air conditioning are turned

on, or windy weather may lead to a lower pressure in the home which creates a

vacuum and draws radon in from a higher pressure area in the soil under the home.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Activity 4: The Half-Life of Radon

Objectives

Students will:

 Learn about radioactive decay, decay chains and how radon forms radioactive products

or particles that can be harmful.

 Demonstrate the concept of half-life.

 Calculate and chart the half-life of a given sample.

 Discuss the significance of knowing the half-life of radioactive elements.

Next Generation Science Standards

The concepts in this activity can be used to support the following science standards:

 PS1. Structure and Properties of Matter.

 ESS3. Earth and Human Activity.

Materials and Resources

•

Radon: Teacher Background Information.

Vocabulary Materials.

Radon Exposure image (display or copy for students).

Computer and projector for displaying information.

Half-Life Data Sheet (one per student, pair or group) and Half-Life Teacher Answer Key.

Student calculators (optional).

Radon-222 Decay Chain (optional; display or copy for students).

Time

45-60 minutes, not including optional activities or extensions.

Vocabulary



Ionizing radiation

Radiation

Radon

Uranium

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Directions

1. Start with a vocabulary activity if students are not familiar with radon and the terms used in

this activity.

2. Display the Radon-222 Decay Chain image. Explain that radioactive elements are made up

of atoms with an unstable nucleus. The nucleus is unstable because of strong forces or extra

energy built up inside. As the nucleus tries to become stable, it gives off (emits) energy or

radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, gamma radiation or a combination of

the three. When radiation is emitted, the nucleus forms a new, more stable, nucleus of a

different element. This process continues until the nucleus becomes stable and is no longer

radioactive. Radon is a radioactive gas. Its decay products (polonium, bismuth and lead) are

metals that can easily attach to dust and other particles in the air. Those particles can be

circulated and transported in air and inhaled. Note that radioactive elements are constantly

giving off radiation as they decay, not just in single bursts.

3. Explain that each radioactive element has a half-life. Half-life is the amount of time it takes

for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into a more stable form. In the

decay chain, students can see that radon has a half-life of 3.8 days. Polonium-218 has

a half-life of 3 minutes.

4. Provide students with the Half-Life Data Sheet. Have them read the initial statement and form

a hypothesis.

5. Demonstrate the concept of half-life with the class by choosing from the following options:

• Option A: Select three volunteers. Have the volunteers stand at a distance from an

easily identifiable location (e.g., a wall or the classroom door). Direct each volunteer to

move at varying rates (fast, moderate and slow) to represent half-lives of different

elements. For example, radon has a half-life of 3.8 days, radium has a half-life of 1600

years, and uranium has a half-life of 4.5 billion years. Direct each volunteer to walk

halfway toward the identifiable location at their designated rate and stop before

continuing to the next halfway point between them and the identifiable location. They will

continue this process until they cannot go any farther. You can mark the halfway points

with string or paper if students need the guidance.

• Option B: Ask for 12 volunteers. Have the volunteers line up in the front of the room.

Provide each volunteer with two different colored sheets of paper to represent radon and

polonium. Have all of the volunteers hold the radon paper out front facing the students.

Have half of the volunteer (any 6 of the 12) place the polonium colored paper out front to

represent half of the atoms that transformed to polonium. Then have the next half (3 of

the 6 volunteers showing radon) place the polonium paper out front. In the next half-life,

have one volunteer place the polonium paper out front and have another volunteer show

half radon and half polonium by folding one or both of the papers in half. The remaining

volunteer should then place the polonium paper out front and the volunteer showing half

radon, half polonium should fold one or both papers to represent ¾ radon and ¼

polonium.

• Option C: Show an online video or demonstration of half-life. Sources may include

TeacherTube, other allowed Internet sources, or Colorado University’s online applet that

demonstrates half-life and radioactive decay.

6. Direct students to complete the remainder of the Half-Life Data Sheet. The use of calculators

is optional.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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7. Ask students to share their observations and conclusions from the activity. The Half-Life

Teacher Answer Key is provided.

8. Conclude by sharing that radon is naturally present in our world. The chances of getting lung

cancer from radon depends mostly on:

• The indoor radon level of the places where a person spends most of their time. The U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends fixing or lowering radon levels that

are 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.

• The amount of time a person is exposed to higher levels of radon.

• Whether a person is also exposed to cigarette smoke (which can also cause lung

cancer).

9. Optional activities or extensions:

• Have students create posters for the National Radon Poster Contest:

http://www.radonleaders.org/

• Draw a diagram of lungs or locate a video showing the progression of lung cancer as the

lungs go from healthy to damaged over a span of years.

• Construct a model of the lungs providing a breakaway of the lung to show its inner tissue

(bronchioles, alveoli and bronchial tubes) to show how radon products can stick to lung

tissue and cause damage.

• Invite a nurse, doctor or health care professional to come in and talk about radon

exposure and lung cancer.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Radon-222 Decay Chain

Radon–222

222

3.8 days

Polonium–218

218

3 minutes

218

210

19.7 minutes

Lead–210

214

22 years

28.6 minutes

Bismuth–210

.0002 seconds

Lead–214

Bismuth–214

214

Polonium–210

Polonium–214

138 days

214

5 days

Lead–206

206

Stable

Key

Alpha particle:

Beta particle:

222

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

In the example, Rn is the atomic symbol

for the element Radon. The number 222

indicates the atomic mass of the element

(or isotope). The number 86 respresents

the element’s atomic number.

Page 29 of 33

Half-Life Data Sheet

Name: ____________________________________

Date: ____________________

Each radioactive (unstable) element has a different half-life. Hypothesize what half-life is:

____________________________________________________________________________

Complete the half-life demonstration as directed by your teacher.

Calculate the number of radon atoms remaining after each half-life starting with a radon sample

of 400 atoms. Write the number of atoms in the “Number of Remaining Radon Atoms” column.

Round decimals to the nearest hundredth (For example: .474 = .47). Plot the number of

radioactive atoms on the graph according to the half-life number.

Half-Life

Number

(3.8 days)

(7.6 days)

(11.4 days)

(15.2 days)

(19 days)

(22.8)

(26.6 days)

(30.4 days)

(34.2 days)

(38 days)

Number of

Radon Atoms

400

1. Observations:

_________________________________________________________________________

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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2. Conclusions:

_________________________________________________________________________

3. Why is it useful to know the half-life of radioactive materials?

_________________________________________________________________________

4. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. How does the half-life of radon and its

decay products cause damage to lung tissue that can lead to lung cancer over the course of

a lifetime?

_________________________________________________________________________

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Half-Life: Teacher Answer Key

Each radioactive (unstable) element has a different half-life. Hypothesize what half-life is: The

amount of time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into a

more stable form.

Half-Life

Number

(3.8 days)

(7.6 days)

(11.4 days)

(15.2 days)

(19 days)

(22.8)

(26.6 days)

(30.4 days)

(34.2 days)

(38 days)

Number of

Remaining

Radon Atoms

400

200

100

12.5

6.25

3.13

1.57

.79

.40

1. Observations: Students should observe that the more time that passes, the more

radioactive decaying takes place. After each half-life number, the number of radon

atoms is decreased by half.

2. Conclusions: Students should reach the conclusion that over time, radioactive atoms

become more and more stable as they decay.

3. Why is it useful to know the half-life of radioactive materials? It helps in determining how

long radioactive material must be safely stored, when radioactive material will be safe

to handle, or how long a source will remain radioactive. For example, radioactive dye

(called a tracer) or radioactive seeds are used in medical imagery and cancer

treatment. Knowing the half-life helps doctors and patients know how long the

radioactive material will be effective and when it will stop producing radiation.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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Radium is used in industrial radiography devices (a technology similar to x-ray

imaging) to inspect for flaws in metal parts. Radium also has been added to the tips

of lightning rods, improving their effectiveness by ionizing the air around it.

We do not generally use radon for any useful purposes.

4. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. How does the half-life of radon and its

decay products cause damage to lung tissue that can lead to lung cancer over the course of

a lifetime? Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your

lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release small

bursts of energy. This can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over the

course of your lifetime. The amount of time between exposure and the onset of the

disease may be many years.

U.S. EPA Education Activities: Radon

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