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The general effects of radon to the human body are caused by its radioactivity and consequent risk of radiation-induced cancer. Lung cancer is the only observed consequence of high concentration radon exposures; both human and animal studies indicate that the lung and respiratory system are the primary targets of radon daughter-induced toxicity ...
Animals and humans naturally produce some hydrogen sulfide in their body; researchers have proposed that the gas is used to regulate metabolic activity and body temperature, which would explain the above findings. [18] Two recent studies cast doubt that the effect can be achieved in larger mammals.
While the effects of the gas generally make the user appear stuporous, dreamy and sedated, some people also "get the giggles" in a state of euphoria, and frequently erupt in laughter. [23] One of the earliest commercial producers in the U.S. was George Poe, cousin of the poet Edgar Allan Poe, who also was the first to liquefy the gas. [24]
Like most toxic gases, the dose inhaled determines the toxicity on the respiratory tract. Occupational exposures constitute the highest risk of toxicity and domestic exposure is uncommon. Prolonged exposure to low concentration of the gas may have lethal effects, as can short-term exposure to high concentrations like chlorine gas poisoning.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless [15] gas and therefore is not detectable by human senses alone. At standard temperature and pressure , it forms a monatomic gas with a density of 9.73 kg/m 3 , about 8 times the density of the Earth's atmosphere at sea level, 1.217 kg/m 3 . [ 16 ]
The body produces approximately 2.3 pounds (1.0 kg) of carbon dioxide per day per person, [72] containing 0.63 pounds (290 g) of carbon. In humans, this carbon dioxide is carried through the venous system and is breathed out through the lungs, resulting in lower concentrations in the arteries.
An air pollutant is a material in the air that can have many effects on humans and the ecosystem. [65] The substance can be solid particles, liquid droplets, or gases, and often takes the form of an aerosol (solid particles or liquid droplets dispersed and carried by a gas). [66] A pollutant can be of human or natural origin.
Oxygen toxicity is a condition resulting from the harmful effects of breathing molecular oxygen (O 2) at increased partial pressures.Severe cases can result in cell damage and death, with effects most often seen in the central nervous system, lungs, and eyes.