Is it true or false that if RDPs plate out on a wall, they become a hazard?

The correct answer is that it is false to state that if radon decay products (RDPs) plate out on a wall, they become a hazard. RDPs, which include lead-214, bismuth-214, and polonium-218, are primarily hazardous due to their radioactivity when inhaled and subsequently lodged in the lung tissue.

When these particles plate out on surfaces such as walls, they are no longer airborne and therefore do not pose the same inhalation risk. While the RDPs can still emit radiation, their ability to cause harm is significantly reduced once they are settled. The concern primarily resides in the exposure to these particles while they are suspended in the air, where individuals can inhale them, leading to potential health risks. Hence, the act of plate out on a wall effectively minimizes the immediate hazard associated with RDPs, confirming that the statement is indeed false.