What effect do temperature differentials have concerning radon?

Temperature differentials play a significant role in the movement of air within buildings and the surrounding environment, particularly through a phenomenon known as the stack effect. When there is a difference in temperature between the inside of a building and the outside air, warm air rises and creates a pressure differential that draws cooler air from lower levels, often from the ground. This process can lead to an increased influx of air from the soil, which may contain radon gas.

Radon, being a heavier gas, tends to accumulate in lower areas like basements or crawl spaces. When temperature differentials create a stronger stack effect, it can enhance the ventilation of these areas, potentially increasing the radon levels inside if there are high soil concentrations. Thus, understanding how temperature influences this airflow is crucial for radon measurement technicians in assessing and mitigating radon levels in homes and buildings.

The other choices don't accurately reflect what temperature differentials do regarding radon. For example, radon decay is not influenced by temperature differentials; rather, it is a radioactive process that happens at a constant rate. Furthermore, temperature changes do not eliminate radon or significantly reduce its presence in soil, as radon can continuously emanate from uranium-rich soil regardless of temperature variations.