Aren't Radon and Radium the Same Thing?

QUESTION: Aren't radon and radium the same thing?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: No they are not, but they are part of the same complex process.
Radon is a gas, radium a solid. Radon-222 is a by-product of a naturally
occurring phenomenon that takes place in the earth's crust. Radon gas is
produced by the decay of uranium-238. During the decaying process, the radium
is transformed to radium-226. This radium turns into radon-222 when alpha
particles are emitted. The entire process is an integral part of life on
earth. But radon gas can be dangerous when the levels are abnormally
increased in concentrations. Radon attaches itself to particles in the air.
When people breathe in these particles, they deposit themselves in the lungs.
Once they embed themselves there, alpha decay causes damage to lung tissues.
The resulting damage can lead to a higher risk of lung cancer. The risk of
lung cancer is greatly increased for smokers who are exposed to high levels of
radon. If you suspect a radon problem at your home, you can contact the
regional office of the environmental protection agency and/or the state public
health agency for help.