Residence time is the length of time that a substance, usually a hazardous material, can be detected in a given environment. For example, airborne pollutants are carried into the atmosphere by natural updrafts. The concentration and size of the particulates and their residence time exerts varying degrees of influence on the solar radiation balance. Other examples include the period of time that oxidant concentrations such as PAN-type or ozone remain in the atmosphere, or the period of time that nuclear by-products are found in the atmosphere or in the soil.

See Also

Hazardous Waste Siting; Radioactive Waste