radon

[ rey-don ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a chemically inert, radioactive gaseous element produced by the decay of radium: emissions produced by outgassing of rock, brick, etc. are a health hazard. : Rn; : 86; : 222.

radon

/ ˈreɪdɒn /

noun

1. a colourless radioactive element of the rare gas group, the most stable isotope of which, radon-222, is a decay product of radium. It is used as an alpha particle source in radiotherapy. Symbol: Rn; atomic no: 86; half-life of ²²²Rn: 3.82 days; valency: 0; density: 9.73 kg/m³; melting pt: –71°C; boiling pt: –61.7°C

radon

/ rā′dŏn /

1. A colorless, odorless, radioactive element in the noble gas group. It is produced by the radioactive decay of radium and occurs in minute amounts in soil, rocks, and the air near the ground. Radon is used as a source of radiation for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Its most stable isotope is Rn 222 with a half-life of 3.82 days. Atomic number 86; melting point −71°C; boiling point −61.8°C; specific gravity (solid) 4.
2. See Periodic Table

radon

1. A colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is produced by the decay of radium in the soil .

Notes

Radon seeping through the ground and into buildings is a major source of indoor air pollution and may represent a significant risk for lung cancer .

Word History and Origins

Origin of radon¹

First recorded in 1915–20; rad(ium) + -on ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of radon¹

C20: from radium + -on

Example Sentences

The department said it followed the discovery of high levels of radon at the jail.

From BBC

A Prison Service spokesperson said earlier this month the prisoners would be "gradually returned to HMP Dartmoor following conversations with the Health and Safety Executive as we have ongoing mitigations in place to limit radon exposure".

From BBC

Peak radon levels detected at HMP Dartmoor in 2020 and 2023 were 10 times the recommended workplace limit, according to the response to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the BBC.

From BBC

Radon is a colourless and odourless radioactive gas formed by decaying uranium found in rocks and soils.

From BBC

Doctors say this concerning rise in non-smoking lung cancer cases is likely linked to long-term, high exposures of radon gas.

From Science Daily