Air

Radon gas

Radon, a toxic gas created by the decay of radium, occurs naturally in most rocks, and minute traces of it are in the air we breathe. Radon is not dangerous in open air, but in confined spaces, where it accumulates, it can be a health hazard.

When uranium ore is excavated and crushed, small quantities of radon are released to the atmosphere. Mine tailings also produce radon through the decay of this radium in waste material.

The industry takes special precautions to protect mining and milling workers against this hazard. For example:

• powerful fans bring fresh air into underground mines, keeping radon gas concentrations in the mines at safe levels
• mines use detection equipment to monitor radon levels to ensure that they do not exceed stringent regulatory standards
• air, dust and surface contamination are routinely monitored