Question
Which radioactive element is considered as an indoor pollutant ?
The correct answer is
Radon
Radon: Radioactive Indoor Pollutant Identification
The question asks to identify the radioactive element that poses a risk as an indoor pollutant.
Understanding Radon as an Indoor Pollutant
- Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas.
- It originates from the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium found in soil, rock, and water.
- Being a gas, radon can seep into buildings from the ground through cracks in foundations, walls, and floors.
- It accumulates indoors because it is often trapped, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Radon is colorless and odorless, making it undetectable without specialized equipment.
- Its radioactive nature means it emits alpha particles, which can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of lung cancer if inhaled over prolonged periods.
Evaluating Other Options
- Oxygen – 18, Nitrogen – 15, and Carbon – 13 are stable isotopes of common elements. While they exist naturally, they are not radioactive and are not considered indoor pollutants in the context of radioactivity.
Conclusion
Based on its properties as a radioactive gas that accumulates indoors and poses health risks, Radon is the correct answer.
Was this answer helpful?
Important Questions from Air and Noise Pollution
- A possible mechanism for photochemical smog inhibition is to add compounds like diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) as it reacts with
- In the determination of sulphur dioxide by p-rosaniline method, the end product is
- A point source of sound produces a noise of 70 dB at a distance of 20 m from it. What will be the noise level at 80 m from it ?
- Emission inventories involved in urban air quality assessment include parameters on
i. $SO_2$, $NO_x$, particulate matter pollutants
ii. Industry, traffic, domestic sources
iii. Fuel type, gasoline, wood as energy carrier
Choose the correct answer from codes given below : - Priority air pollutants included in the air quality index for urban areas in India are :
Need Expert Advice?
