How accurate are half-life data of long-lived radionuclides?

Abstract

Abstract We have consulted existing half-life data available in Nuclear Data Sheets for radionuclides with Z < 89 in the range between 30 and 10 8 years with emphasis on their uncertainty. Based on this dataset, we have highlighted the lack of reliable data by giving examples for nuclides relevant for astrophysical, environmental and nuclear research. It is shown that half-lives for a substantial number of nuclides require a re-determination since existing data are either based on one single measurement, are contradictory or are associated with uncertainties above 5%.

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