Radon vs. Radium — What's the Difference?

A radioactive noble gas.

A radioactive metal.

Resulting from Radium decay.

Precursor to Radon gas.

Known for health risks when inhaled.

Has applications in radiation therapy.

Has medical applications in therapies.

Extracted from uranium ores.

Found primarily in soil and groundwater.

Radium is a chemical element with the symbol Ra and atomic number 88. It is the sixth element in group 2 of the periodic table, also known as the alkaline earth metals.

Radon is a chemical element with the symbol Rn and atomic number 86. It is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas.

The chemical element of atomic number 88, a rare radioactive metal of the alkaline earth series. It was formerly used as a source of radiation for radiotherapy.

A colorless, radioactive, inert gaseous element that is formed by the radioactive decay of radium and is used to produce neutrons for research. Its most stable isotope is Rn-222 with a half-life of 3.82 days. A natural source of radiation found in most soils and groundwater, radon poses a serious health threat if inhaled. Atomic number 86; melting point -71°C; boiling point -61.7°C; density of gas 9.73 grams per liter; specific gravity (solid) 4. See Periodic Table.

A rare, brilliant white, luminescent, highly radioactive metallic element found in very small amounts in uranium ores, having more than 40 isotopes and isomers with mass numbers between 201 and 234, of which Ra-226 with a half-life of 1,600 years is the most common. It is used as a neutron source for some research purposes and was formerly widely used in cancer radiotherapy and as a constituent of luminescent paints. Atomic number 88; melting point 696°C; boiling point 1,737°C; specific gravity 5; valence 2. See Periodic Table.

The chemical element (symbol Rn, formerly Ro) with atomic number 86. It is an odorless, colorless, chemically inert but radioactive noble gas.

The chemical element (symbol Ra) with an atomic number of 88. It is a soft, shiny and silvery radioactive alkaline earth metal.

Radon-222 (Rn), the most stable isotope of this element, .

A type of cloth woven from silk or synthetic yarn, often with a shiny appearance.

An intensely radioactive gaseous element produced by the radioactive decay of radium-226, which is the main isotope of radium found in pitchblende. Chemically it is an inert noble gas. Its atomic symbol is Rn. It has an atomic number of 86. The radon isotope produced by decay of radium has an atomic weight of 222.017, and this isotope decays by alpha emission with a half-life of 3.82 days. Numerous other isotopes have been observed, all radioactive and all having half-lives shorter than that of radon-222. Radon was discovered by M. and Mme. Curie, of Paris, in their studies of the radioactive substances in pitchblende. Radon was originally called radium emanation or exradio.

To treat (a tumour, etc.) with radium.

A radioactive gaseous element formed by the disintegration of radium; the heaviest of the inert gasses; occurs naturally (especially in areas over granite) and is considered a hazard to health

An intensely radioactive metallic element found (combined) in minute quantities in pitchblende, and various other uranium minerals. Symbol, Ra; atomic weight, 226.4. Radium was discovered by M. and Mme. Curie, of Paris, who in 1902 separated compounds of it by a tedious process from pitchblende. Its compounds color flames carmine and give a characteristic spectrum. It is divalent, resembling barium chemically. The main isotope of radium found in pitchblende, radium-226, has a half-life of 1620 years, decaying first by alpha emission to radon.

An intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores

Used historically in luminescent paints.

It was used for its glow-in-the-dark properties.

Yes, prolonged exposure can pose health risks.

Through Radon testing kits and professionals.

Its use has declined in favor of safer alternatives.

Yes, agencies like the EPA provide guidelines.

Not entirely, but levels can be reduced to safe limits.

From uranium ore through a series of chemical reactions.

In soil, groundwater, and poorly ventilated areas.

Most soils contain trace amounts of radium, producing Radon.

Its dangers were discovered after initial widespread use.

Once ingested, the damage is irreversible but further exposure can be limited.

Through cracks, openings, and poorly ventilated areas.

Its glow-in-the-dark property and novel applications.