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

Although there are generalists who may be able to conduct a broad assessment, you’ll probably need a specialist in mold, radon, VOCs or other pollutants to deal with any problems, says Bender, who works with the Indoor Air Hygiene Institute.

From Washington Post

Radon, an odorless, colorless gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.

From Washington Post

If you aren’t comfortable using a home test kit and want to find a pro, contact your state radon program.

From Washington Post

How to deal with mold and mildew in the bathroomDon’t panic if radon has been detected.

From Washington Post

With federal assistance, Florida has acted on the recommendations of dozens of local health departments to investigate environmental pollution, like groundwater contamination or radon levels in the air.

From ProPublica