Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Excerpt from thesis: "Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer globally, behind smoking (EPA, 2016). The gas percolates up the bedrock and seeps through the foundation of a home to accumulate in the basement, posing a massive health threat to humans. It is a part of the Uranium decay series which includes other naturally occurring isotopes such as: 226Ra, 218Po, and 214Pb which are all daughter isotopes to 238U. Research dating back to the 1980’s indicates that indoor radon levels are highly correlated with the geology of an area (Sachs et al., 1982). Five dominant rock types are generally associated with increased radon levels: metamorphosed sediments, volcanics, and granite intrusives, especially those that are highly deformed or sheared. Additionally, glacial deposits derived from uranium-bearing rocks and sediments, carboniferous, black shales, soils derived from carbonate rock, and uraniferous marine deposits are also associated with higher radon levels (Gunderson, 1996). Consequently, the surrounding geology of an area that can be used to predict one's immediate radon hazards..."
Date Awarded
Spring 2023
Department
Geology
Advisor 1
James M. Kaste
Recommended Citation
Wilkins, Quincy, "Measuring Uranium Levels in Fossils in the Yorktown Formation to Determine Radon Risk Potential" (2023). Geology Senior Theses. William & Mary. Paper 56.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/geologyseniors/56
