Understanding the Effects of Nuclear Radiation Exposure

Nuclear radiation absorbed by the human body is dangerous, and people who have been exposed to nuclear radiation show definite symptoms.

Amounts

• Depending on how much radiation is absorbed within the body certain symptoms will result. Higher doses can show problems immediately or within minutes of contact. Lower doses of exposure produces symptoms that are revealed over time.

Ionizing Radiation

• Ionizing radiation alters the atoms and changes the DNA code within a cell. This type of radiation is harmful to organisms because it causes cells to die when it's absorbed.

Acute Radiation Syndrome

• Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) occurs when an individual's whole entire body has been exposed to high doses of radiation. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of the early symptoms for ARS. Other types of symptoms associated with ARS include fevers and seizures.

High Exposure

• Absorption of nuclear energy in high doses causes fluid loss and creates problems with the vascular system plus the gastrointestinal tract.

Moderate Doses

• Moderate absorption of nuclear radiation can cause loss of bone marrow that results in low blood cell production. This loss of white blood cells could make people more prone to infection, and destruction of platelets creates the condition in which hemorrhaging to death could occur.