What unit is used to measure the concentration of radon?

The concentration of radon is most commonly measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). This unit effectively conveys the level of radon present in air. A picocurie is a very small unit of radioactivity; specifically, it represents one-trillionth of a curie, which makes it appropriate for the low levels of radon typically found in indoor environments.

Understanding the use of this unit is crucial for assessing radon levels in homes and buildings, as radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate indoors and pose health risks. The recommended action levels for radon exposure are often expressed in pCi/L, making this measurement standard critical in radon mitigation and safety practices.

While other units such as curie per liter or bequerel per cubic meter are measures of radioactivity, they are not as specific or commonly used for radon concentrations in residential settings. Radon per square meter lacks relevance in this context, as radon's concentration is fundamentally about volume (air) rather than an area measurement. Thus, pCi/L is the most appropriate and widely accepted unit for measuring radon concentration in the air.