INTRODUCTION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies radon as a known cause of cancer. Exposure to radon gas increases the risk of getting lung cancer. This risk also depends on how much radon you are exposed to, for how long, and if you are a smoker. Cancers that are caused by radon include small-cell lung carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It usually starts on the outer edges of the lungs and the lining of the bronchi (the airway passages into the lungs). It differs from other lung cancer types.

Health Canada suggests that 16% of lung cancer-related deaths are caused by long-term exposure to radon gas at home. It is estimated that in Canada, 3,000 lung cancer deaths related to radon gas intake take place. In the United States of America, over 21,000 deaths are related to radon.

When radon gas is inhaled the particles settle in the lungs, over time, radon decays, and radioactive particles slowly cause cancer. The process of decay may take up to a few years.

Why should we use a radon detector?

Health Protection: A radon detection device provides accurate measurements of radon levels, allowing users to identify potential health risks associated with radon exposure. By monitoring radon levels regularly, individuals can take proactive steps to minimize exposure and reduce the risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory ailments.

Cost-Effective Solution: Investing in a radon detection device is a cost-effective way to monitor indoor radon levels. Compared to the potential health costs associated with radon exposure, the upfront investment in a detection device is minimal, offering significant long-term benefits for health and well-being.

Unfortunately, commercially available radon detectors are out there but they can go for about 90$ to 13732.98$ CAD or even more!!! My project is to make an affordable and working radon detector to test radon levels at home.

 

HYPOTHESIS

Hypothesis: Create a way to safely utilize the alpha particles released from Radon-222 and the cloud chamber’s ability to detect alpha and electron particles to detect Radon-222.

 

 

MATERIALS FOR TESTING

• Tall plastic container
• Small plastic container
• 99% isopropyl alcohol
• Sponge
• Computer
• Dry ice
• Cardboard
• Basement 
• Camera
• Radon detector from Airthings
• Tape

METHOD

Method for detecting Radon-222:

Radon-222 gas emits a form of ionization radiation in the form of alpha particles. A cloud chamber is a device used in particle physics to visualize the paths of charged particles, including alpha particles. It operates on the principle of supersaturation. When a charged particle passes through the chamber, it ionizes the gas molecules along its path, causing them to lose electrons. These ionized molecules act as places for condensation, causing the vapor to form tiny droplets. This forms a visible track along the path of the charged particle, making it visible to observers.

Alpha particles are easily detected in a cloud chamber because of their high ionization power. Being relatively heavy and positively charged, alpha particles ionize many gas molecules along their path, creating a “cloud” or a cloud streak. 

Radon can pass through plastic because it is a gas. Unlike liquids or solids, gasses have molecules in constant motion and are not bound together in a fixed structure. This allows gas molecules, including radon, to move relatively freely through porous materials, including plastics.

To begin a test I will monitor the device in my basement (not developed) for 30 minutes 2 times. I will also try to repeat the same test in another basement (fully developed) another 2 times. I will have an Airthings Radon detector in the background for reference. 

In the cloud chamber, I am trying to look for short, thick clouds made by alpha particles (a). This happens when radon undergoes radioactive decay releasing alpha particles in the process. These alpha particles travel at high speeds and possess a positive charge. Due to their relatively large mass and charge, alpha particles can only travel a short distance in the air before they collide with other atoms and lose their energy.

Example Test: If the radon levels are at 128Bq/m3, we see ~ 314 “clouds”. We can then correlate them on a graph and match that 128Bq/m3 makes ~314 clouds.

 

How A Cloud Chamber Works:

A cloud chamber is a device used to detect charged particles like electrons and alpha particles. It consists of a sealed container filled with a supersaturated vapor, usually alcohol or water. When a charged particle passes through the vapor, it ionizes the molecules along its path, creating a trail of ions. These ions serve as nucleation sites for the vapor to condense around, forming tiny droplets. This process creates a visible cloud that can be observed under the right conditions.

 

Visual Demonstration Of Cloud Chamber:

DIMENSIONS:

Width: 10cm

Length: 10cm

Height: 17.5cm

Wall Thickness: 2.4mm

Lid Thickness: 1mm

 

DATA

 

RESULTS

After conducting 4 separate tests each within the range of 86Bq/m3 and 70Bq/m3. I looked through the footage and concluded none of the tests could detect alpha particles created by radon gas. 

 

CONCLUSION

After running 4 separate tests with results undesirable (no radon was able to be detected), I have come to the conclusion that there wasn’t a sufficient amount of radon to have an effect on the cloud chamber. I would have tested it on higher radon levels, but I don’t have any access to a site with significantly higher radon levels. Also, testing in an environment with a higher amount of radon could be harmful to my health due to the high amounts of radiation from radon in the form of alpha particles that can cause permanent damage or cancer. 

 

REFERENCES

1. How to make a cloud chamber: https://home.cern/news/news/experiments/how-make-your-own-cloud-chamber
2. Radon and alpha particles: https://evictradon.org/radon-gas-alpha-radiation/#:~:text=As%20we%20breath%20it%20in,up%20of%20photons%20(light)
3. Dangerous levels of radon: https://health.mo.gov/living/environment/radon/riskcharts.php
4. Conversion reference: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/radon.htmlv 

NIT CONVERSIONS (REFERENCE) 

1. Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3)
2.  1 pCi/L is equal to 37 Bq/m3.

Special Thanks:

I would like to thank my mother, father, Math/Science teacher, and coordinator for helping guide and support me throughout this project.