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Radon

Radon is a radioactive colorless gas. Of the three naturally occurring radon isotopes, only radon-222 has a sufficiently long half-life (3.8 days) for it to be released from the soil and rock, where it is generated.

Radon-222 is an alpha emitter and decays to polonium-218, which further decays in a decay chain until the stable isotope lead-206 is reached.

When you breathe in radon, radioactive materials can get trapped in your lungs. Epidemiological studies have shown a clear link between breathing high concentrations of radon and incidence of lung cancer.

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About the Display:

The display highlights the surprising existance of Radon Healing Therapy.

A Travel Report by Arjan Mulder:听 In Austria, in the hinterland of Salzburg听 lies the unique spa town of Bad Gastein. Here, I embarked on a journey to explore its distinctive medical offerings,听 the听 radioactive Gasteiner Heilstollen and the Radon Thermal Bath.

Situated more than 1000 meters above sea level, everything revolves around the pain-relieving power of radioactive Radon gas.

I found myself drawn to the entrance of the famous spa cave. "The Tauern Mountains were once a site of gold mining," Dr. Elena-Doina Martea informed me while conducting the听 mandatory medical examination prior to my journey into the depths of the Gasteiner Heilstollen. 听"In the early 1900s, during the construction of a new mining tunnel, miners began noticing a remarkable reduction in rheumatic complaints, arthritis pain, and even improvements in asthma and skin conditions," Helga Engl elaborated.听 "It became evident that the unique combination of high levels of radioactive Radon gas, along with the elevated temperature and humidity, was responsible for these positive effects. Remarkably, this remains the sole location in the world where such therapies are available."

I change into different clothes and board the mine train, which transports me deep inside the mountains along a 3-kilometer corridor. In the quietness of the underground,听 numerous individuals are undergoing treatment at 41掳C (106 F) . Elena-Doina explains, "During a three-week regimen, most individuals typically take the journey ten times, spending an hour each session. This regimen aids in alleviating symptoms, particularly for conditions such as rheumatism, Bechterev disease, arthrosis, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis-related pain. Additionally, it yields positive outcomes for chronic bronchitis, asthma, psoriasis, and neurodermatitis." Observing patients of various ages, it's evident that even younger individuals are impacted by these ailments and seek relief at the Gasteiner Heilstollen.

The Dunstbad (Thermal Vapor Bath) is the second truly amazing place in Austria that I visit. "For patients who prefer not to go deep into the mountain, this is the more pleasant choice" says Dr. Gerhard R枚ck of the Radon-Thermal Dunstbad. Patients immerse themselves in the warm vapor for 20 minutes, allowing the Radon gas to be absorbed through the skin providing relief for the same ailments mentioned previously. "The Radon gas dissipated from the body after approximately 3 hours" R枚ck added.

The therapy is recognised by the Austrian and the German health insurance providers.

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About the Contributor:听 Arjan Mulder听 earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Twente, NL. Following a decade in research, he made a significant life change and became an author and a travel journalist. He enjoys telling stories serving as both, a published author ( visit 听as an editor at Reishonger.nl, and as a travel writer at Seniorenwijzer.

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