Final answer:
Radium can leak into groundwater, leading to elevated radon levels and health concerns. Radon exposure, which is linked to lung cancer, and radiation protection are crucial issues. Although specific Wisconsin towns with high radium levels aren't listed, this is a significant environmental health concern.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is inquiring about towns in Wisconsin with elevated levels of radium in well water. Radium is a radioisotope that can be problematic when it contaminates groundwater, posing health risks. In Wisconsin, there have been a number of towns that have experienced higher levels of radium in their wells over the past decade. While a detailed list of those specific towns is not provided here, it is essential to understand the chemistry in everyday life and how radon, a byproduct of radium decay, can impact health.
Radon exposure is a significant concern as radon is an alpha emitter and is related to various cancers, with lung cancer being particularly prevalent among those also exposed to tobacco smoke. The radioisotope has a half-life of 3.82 days and can accumulate in basements and other low-lying areas of buildings. As the national average for radon in outdoor air is relatively uniform, deviations typically occur when the gas is trapped indoors, leading to potential health hazards.
Radiation protection standards have been established to regulate exposure. These standards vary by country, and in many places, homes must be tested for radon concentration before sale. This is especially relevant in areas with high natural radioactive elements in soil, like uranium or radium. While I cannot provide a precise list of 20 towns in Wisconsin with elevated radium, the overall concern for radiation protection and the need for radium and radon monitoring in water supplies is an important ongoing environmental health issue.