Atomic Number: 86
Atomic Weight: 222
Element Group: Noble Gasses
Sub-group: Rare Elements
Phase at Room Temperature: Gas
I belong to the right-most column of elements on the Periodic Table; the Noble Gasses. Unfortunately, I'm the least noble of all the noble gasses! For one, I form compounds (molecules) with other elements, a practice that is repulsive to other Noble Gasses.
Also, I am the only radioactive gas yet discovered. Radioactivity takes place when my unstable atoms give off particles that are harmful to human, animal, and plant genomes and cells. In the process of giving off that particle, that atom undergoes an alchemical process; it changes into another element! So, after a few days, a small quantity of me will literally disappear into thin air.
When Uranium (92) deep inside granite gives off its radioactive particle, it will eventually convert into me. Because there is Uranium (92) and Thorium (90) in granite under basements, I can seep up through basement floors, causing lung cancer and other health complications in those who breathe me into their lungs and expose their alveoli to my harmful particles.
During the beginning and middle of the last century, people believed that newly discovered radiation was a spectacular treatment for any ailment. Many radioactive hot springs were heated by rocks containing Uranium (92) and Thorium (90). Because of that, the steam and atmosphere around the hot springs was heavily laden with my gasses.
I also belong to the "Rare Elements" sub-group. This group contains Polonium (84), Astatine (85), Xenon (54), Krypton (36), and Radon (86), myself. Ironically, I am the most common (in fact, I'm quite common indeed) element in this group!
I may be "the odd one out" in two different element groups and a nasty house guest, but I am the only radioactive gas, an amazing accomplishment!
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