What is the half-life of radon?

The half-life of radon, specifically radon-222, is approximately 3.8 days. This measurement indicates the time it takes for half of a given amount of radon gas to decay into its daughter products through radioactive decay. Understanding the half-life is crucial in radon testing and mitigation, as it helps technicians assess how quickly radon levels can change over time and guides the interpretation of measurement results.

Knowing that radon has a relatively short half-life emphasizes the need for timely testing in environments where radon exposure is a concern. It also illustrates the potential for significant fluctuations in radon concentrations within a home or building, which can have health implications if not properly managed. The other durations listed do not reflect the established scientific consensus on radon-222's half-life, reinforcing the importance of this specific value in accurate radon measurement and safety practices.