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radon
[ rey-don ]
noun
- 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
- 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 /
- 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.
- See Periodic Table
radon
Notes
Word History and Origins
Origin of radon1
Example Sentences
The department said it followed the discovery of high levels of radon at the jail.
Doctors say this concerning rise in non-smoking lung cancer cases is likely linked to long-term, high exposures of radon gas.
The BBC understands no prisoners or staff have reported becoming ill or suffering an adverse reaction to radon exposure at the jail.
The study does not prove that exposure to radon causes stroke; it only shows an association.
“The uranium also releases a gas called radon gas, and in the mines, the radon levels are very very high. Radon is a carcinogen that could lead to lung cancer,” says Nemery.
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