Which type of ionizing radiation is responsible for the most lung cell damage?

Alpha particles are responsible for the most lung cell damage primarily due to their high mass and positive charge, which makes them highly interactive with biological tissues. When alpha particles are emitted, they have a very short range and can penetrate only a few micrometers into tissue. This means that when they are inhaled, such as from radon decay products, they can cause significant damage to lung cells as they deposit their energy in a very small volume.

The biological effect of alpha particles is more severe compared to other types of ionizing radiation because they produce dense ionization along their path, leading to a higher likelihood of causing damage to DNA and cellular structures. This damage can subsequently result in mutations, which may lead to cancer, particularly in the sensitive lung tissue. Understanding this mechanism is crucial when assessing the risks associated with radon exposure in homes and other environments.