What is the half-life of radon (Rn)?

The half-life of radon (Rn) is 3.8 days. Understanding half-life is crucial in the context of radon because it refers to the time required for half of a sample of a radioactive substance to decay. In the case of radon, which is a noble gas that can accumulate in buildings and pose health risks, its relatively short half-life indicates that it decays fairly quickly compared to other long-lived isotopes.

Given that radon is particularly concerning in indoor environments, knowing its half-life can help mitigation specialists assess how long radon levels might take to decrease over time if interventions are applied. This knowledge aids in determining appropriate monitoring periods and strategies for reducing radon exposure.