Element 86 · Noble Gas
Radon
Radon is the radioactive noble gas seeping naturally from underground — a significant health concern in some UK regions.
Element Facts
SYMBOL
Rn
ATOMIC NO.
86
ATOMIC WEIGHT
222
CATEGORY
Noble Gas
PERIOD
Period 6
GROUP
Group 18
Background
Radon was discovered in 1898 by Friedrich Ernst Dorn, who observed a radioactive gas emanating from radium samples. Known initially as “radium emanation”, it was isolated and characterised by William Ramsay and Robert Whytlaw-Gray in 1910. In the early 20th century, radon was briefly and disastrously promoted as a health tonic — “radon spas” and radium-laced drinking water were marketed before the carcinogenic properties were established.
Industrial Uses
Radon has no beneficial applications. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of radium-226 in granite, certain building materials, and soil. Radon seeps into buildings and is the leading environmental cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking, responsible for approximately 1,000 deaths per year in the UK. UK building regulations require radon testing in high-risk areas (notably Cornwall, Derbyshire, and Northamptonshire).
Scrap Viability
Why QuickStop Metals doesn’t buy Radon:
Radon is a radioactive gas with no commercial uses and is specifically a health hazard to be mitigated against. It cannot be collected, stored safely, or traded. Any detection of elevated radon levels requires building remediation, not scrap collection.
What It's Worth
No commercial value. Radon is a radioactive hazard managed under the UK’s Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations. Remediation of affected buildings is a cost, not a commercial activity.