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radon
[ rey-don ]
noun
, Chemistry.
- 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
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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 .
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Word History and Origins
Origin of radon1
C20: from radium + -on
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