Which type of radiation is primarily responsible for the cellular damage linked to radon exposure?

The correct answer is alpha radiation, which is primarily responsible for the cellular damage linked to radon exposure. When radon gas is inhaled, it can decay into radioactive particles that emit alpha radiation. These alpha particles are highly energetic, yet they have very limited penetration capability, meaning they cannot penetrate the skin but can cause significant damage to biological tissues when deposited in the lungs.

This cellular damage is a key factor in the increased risk of lung cancer associated with radon exposure. When alpha particles collide with lung cells, they can cause direct damage to the DNA within those cells, potentially leading to mutations and tumor development.

In contrast, beta radiation and gamma radiation also pose health risks, but they are less relevant in the context of radon exposure in an indoor setting. Beta particles can penetrate bodily tissues more than alpha particles, but they are not typically emitted from radon decay products. Gamma rays, which can travel through tissues, generally require higher levels of exposure to cause cellular damage compared to the localized and intense damage caused by alpha particles. X-rays are a different type of radiation altogether and do not relate directly to radon exposure in this context.

Hence, alpha radiation stands out as the primary hazard associated with radon inhalation, under