The aim of this work was to use the microdosimetric threshold energy model to study the effects of alpha-emitting 222Rn progeny on the probability of developing lung cancer. The results suggest that the radiation risk may increase by several times as the thickness of the surface layer decreases. The thicker the protective mucus layer and the deeper the sensitive target cells are located in the tissue, the less radiation damage the same dose produces. These findings have been applied to children of various ages. As children grow older, their lungs enlarge, the mucus layer thickens and the cells sensitive to radiation damage move deeper into the lung tissue, resulting in a reduction of radiation risk. The fraction of affected target cells is not only a function of dose but also of lung tissue depth. The results indicate that children can be several times more vulnerable to radiation than adults.
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