What type of decay products of radon pose a much greater health risk?

Radon decay products, also known as radon progeny, pose a significant health risk primarily due to their ability to emit alpha particles when they decay. The greater decay products, particularly polonium-218 and lead-214, are of particular concern because they tend to attach to airborne particles. When inhaled, these particles can lead to internal exposure and increased radiation dose to lung tissue. The alpha radiation from these decay products can cause damage to the lung cells, potentially leading to lung cancer over time.

The health risk associated with radon decay products surpasses that of lesser decay products because of their direct inhalation and the subsequent radiation they emit within the sensitive lung tissue. The greater products are often found in soil and can accumulate in homes, which is why proper measurement and mitigation strategies for radon are crucial in residential and occupational settings.

In summary, understanding the nature of radon decay products and the specific health risks they pose helps in making informed decisions regarding safety and exposure limits, highlighting the importance of focusing on the greater decay products for public health.