The History of Radon

First Case Of Radon Caused Lung Cancer

Mar 29, 1879

This was the first recorded case of lung cancer caused by radon. At the time people still did not know about the existence of radon. A lot of miners died from a “mysterious disease” caused by some sort of “gas”.

Radon Was Discovered

Mar 16, 1900

Radon was discovered by Sir William Ramsay. He determined the mass of the newly discovered gas and placed it into category 18 in the periodic table. Friedrich E. Dorn is also credited for the discovery. He discovered that the radioactive gas decayed from uranium.

Radon Used As Medicine and Treatments

Nov 7, 1910

People started to use radon as medicine and for treatments. They used it to treat cancer because it killed the cancer cells. However, if it was not used properly healthy cells and reverse the treatment. Eventually people found better ways to treat cancer and soon they discarded the idea of using radon.

Radon Got Its Name

Aug 20, 1923

Radon was called Niton when it was first discovered. In, 1923 it was officially named radon.

Radon Was Added To The Periodic Table

Sep 3, 1923

After being studied, radon was added to the the periodic table. It was placed in group five and period 6.

National Radon Month

Jan 1, 2014

EPA set up a National Radon Month to raise awareness of radon. It occurs all through January. In this event people are encouraged to test for radon and learn more about radon.