β~--Decay Half-Lives for Waiting Point Nuclei Around N=126

We have systematically analyzed the experimental β--decay half-lives of waiting point heavy nuclei around neutron number N = 126. A new set of parameters for the exponential formula of β~--decay half-lives is proposed. The forbidden transition effects are included in the new set of parameters self-consistently. Theoretical β~--decay half-lives of nuclei around N = 126 are compared with recent theoretical results and experimental data. It is found that the new theoretical results are in better agreement with experimental data. The unknown β~--decay half-lives of some nuclei in this region are predicted for studies on nuclear structure far from stability and the nucleosynthesis in stars.