In the context of radon measurement, what does "pCi/L" stand for?

In the context of radon measurement, "pCi/L" stands for "picocuries of radon per liter." This unit is a standard measure used to quantify the concentration of radon gas in air or water.

To break down the components of this measurement: "pico" refers to one-trillionth (10^-12), and "curie" is a unit of radioactivity that quantifies the amount of radioactive decay occurring in a sample. Specifically, one picocurie represents the decay of one trillionth of a curie.

Thus, when you see "pCi/L," it indicates how many picocuries of radon are present in one liter of air or water. This is crucial in radon testing because it helps determine if the concentration levels are below or above the safety guidelines set by health agencies. Understanding this unit is vital for anyone involved in radon measurement and mitigation services, as it allows for effective communication of radon levels and associated health risks.