Long term Effects of Radiation Exposure
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I am concerned about the nuclear situation in Japan. What are the Long term effects of radiation exposure to the human body?
Dear Sam: The amount and duration of radiation exposure determines the severity or type of health effect. Mainly two types of health effects are seen: stochastic and non-stochastic from radiation exposure.
Stochastic effects refers to the likelihood that something will happen, and are associated with long-term, low-level (chronic) exposure to radiation.
Cancer is considered by most people the primary health effect from radiation exposure. Other than cancer, the most prominent long-term health effects are teratogenic and genetic mutations.Teratogenic mutations result from the exposure of fetuses (unborn children) to radiation. They can include smaller head or brain size, poorly formed eyes, abnormally slow growth, and mental retardation. Genetic mutations are passed on to offspring from their parents.
Non-stochastic effects are the short-term, high-level exposure, also referred to as 'acute' exposure, and becomes more severe as the exposure increases. Unlike cancer, health effects from 'acute' exposure to radiation usually appear quickly. Acute health effects include nausea, weakness, hair loss, skin burns or diminished organ function. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 23 March 2011 )
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