What is it about radon that makes it harmful?
When radon and its decay products are inhaled into your lungs they emit energetic particles called alpha particles. These alpha particles can strike the sensitive lining of the bronchi. When this happens, the cells in your lungs are damaged, subsequently increasing your risk of developing a cancer. Most of the alpha particle radiation comes from radon decay products. People usually characterize their exposure to this radiation damage by the amount of radon in their living spaces since it is easier to measure radon rather than energy that radon decay products deposit in the lung tissues.
