Radon decay products that remain unattached to airborne particles are more likely to do what when inhaled?

Radon decay products that remain unattached to airborne particles pose a greater risk when inhaled because they can directly deposit radiation into lung tissue. When these unattached particles are inhaled, they can enter the respiratory system and come into close contact with the lung lining. The radioactive elements, such as polonium-218 and polonium-214, emitted during their decay emit alpha particles that can cause significant damage to the cells in the lung tissue. This cell damage can increase the risk of lung cancer over prolonged exposure, which is why understanding the behavior of radon decay products is crucial in assessing health risks associated with radon exposure. Hence, the mechanism by which these particles deposit radiation into lung tissue underlines the importance of radon monitoring and mitigation in residential and occupational settings.