Which of the following best describes the RDP in comparison to radon gas?

The rationale for the choice that RDP (Radon Decay Products) has a shorter half-life is rooted in the nature and behavior of these decay products in relation to radon gas itself. RDP refers to the solid particles created when radon gas decays, and these decay products generally have significantly shorter half-lives than radon.

For example, radon-222, which is the most common isotope of radon found in homes, has a half-life of about 3.8 days. In contrast, the first decay product, polonium-218, has a half-life of only about 3 minutes. This pattern continues with subsequent decay products, which tend to have even shorter half-lives.

This characteristic is crucial for understanding the problems associated with RDP in the context of radon exposure. While radon gas itself can accumulate in homes and be inhaled, the RDP particles can attach to dust and other aerosols, leading to inhalation as well. Upon decay, these products can emit alpha particles, which are hazardous to lung tissue. Therefore, recognizing that RDP has a shorter half-life highlights the increased activity and potential hazard of these particles compared to the radon gas from which they originate.