Radon-222 - A product of the alpha decay of radium-226

• Radium-226 in the ground undergoes alpha decay to produce radon-222

• Radon enters the home through the with soil and gases into cracks in the foundation, especially in basements.
• Radon-226 undergoes alpha decay to produce Polonium-218.

• Polonium sticks to dust particles which are inhaled and stay in the lungs.

• Inside the lungs, polonium-218 undergoes alpha decay to produce lead-214 and give off alpha particles.

• • NOTE:  While alpha particles outside the body cannot penetrate the skin and are therefore not dangerous. Alpha particles inside the lungs however, have a high potential to produce lung cancer.

• Radon levels can be checked by commercial firms or by using a radon detector.  The detector is comprised of a small plastic cup with a radiation-sensitive film which can be sent in for analysis.

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