Radon Gas Migration
The environmental migration of radioactive Radon-222 gas from decaying uranium in rocks and soil into indoor building spaces.
Governing formula
Decay Chain: ²³⁸U → ²²⁶Ra → ²²²Rn (Half-life = 3.82 days)
SI unit
Bq/m³ or pCi/L (Activity Concentration)
In depth
Radon-222 is an inert radioactive gas produced by Radium-226 decay in soil and granite. It diffuses through porous soil and enters basements via pressure differentials, where decaying alpha-emitting daughter products present human lung cancer risks.
Examples in the real world
Installing sub-slab soil depressurization ventilation systems in homes to prevent basement radon accumulation.