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Multiple Choice

What health effects may result from exposure to radionuclides?

Exposure to radionuclides involves ionizing radiation that can damage cells and DNA. The health effects depend on how much radiation is absorbed (the dose) and on which tissues are affected. At lower doses, the main concern is an increased risk of cancer over time, a probabilistic outcome that rises with dose. At higher doses, there can be immediate tissue injury and organ dysfunction once a threshold is exceeded, a deterministic effect. So, cancer and organ damage may result, depending on dose, which covers the range from long-term cancer risk to acute tissue injury. Other options are not comprehensive: skin irritation can occur at very high exposures but is not the only risk, and no health effects at any dose or immediate death are not generally applicable except in extreme situations.

Exposure to radionuclides involves ionizing radiation that can damage cells and DNA. The health effects depend on how much radiation is absorbed (the dose) and on which tissues are affected. At lower doses, the main concern is an increased risk of cancer over time, a probabilistic outcome that rises with dose. At higher doses, there can be immediate tissue injury and organ dysfunction once a threshold is exceeded, a deterministic effect. So, cancer and organ damage may result, depending on dose, which covers the range from long-term cancer risk to acute tissue injury. Other options are not comprehensive: skin irritation can occur at very high exposures but is not the only risk, and no health effects at any dose or immediate death are not generally applicable except in extreme situations.