Re: Alpha emitters

[Tom N. Massey <massey@oual2.phy.OhioU.Edu>]

    Your question about the naturally occuring decay chains is correct in the
assumption that these sources tend to get everywhere.  The reason is the 
change in the chemistry of the source when the decay to the noble gas radon
rather than the alpha recoil.  Radon is now known as a major indoor radiation
hazard in many structures.  Isotopes of radon from naturally occuring 
uranics have half lifes from 4 seconds to 3.8 days.  Thus the radon gas can
travel rather large distances. 

    Tom Massey
    Dep. Physic and Ast.
    Ohio University