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When ionizing radiation interacts with cells, it can cause damage to the cells and genetic material (i.e., deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA). If not properly repaired, this damage can result in the death of the cell or potentially harmful changes in the DNA (i.e., mutations).
Health effects of ionizing radiation. Radiation damage to tissue and/or organs depends on the dose of radiation received, or the absorbed dose which is expressed in a unit called the gray (Gy). The potential damage from an absorbed dose depends on the type of radiation and the sensitivity of the different tissues and organs.
Ionizing radiation is a powerful form of energy with medical applications such as diagnostic testing. At high enough doses, it can alter your body's cells and DNA. Unlike some non-ionizing radiation, it can cause serious harm or cancer with enough exposure.
Ionizing radiation may damage the cell’s DNA (which the cell relies on to manufacture proteins and enzymes, perform routine cell functions, and maintain cell integrity and homeostasis) to the point that normal cell functions are markedly decreased or stopped, resulting in cell damage and death.
Early histopathological observations on the vascular effects of ionizing radiation (IR) documented swelling and degeneration of endothelium and capillary occlusion 5, hyperemia and exudation of serum and red cells 6, capillary leakage 7 and inhibition of vascular capillary budding 8.
EPA bases its regulatory limits and nonregulatory guidelines for public exposure to low level ionizing radiation on the linear no-threshold (LNT) model. The LNT model assumes that the risk of cancer due to a low-dose exposure is proportional to dose, with no threshold.
Radiation can damage the DNA in cells, and high doses can lead to cancer later in life. Overview. We've been studying the effects of radiation on living tissue for more than 100 years. By measuring radiation and understanding its health effects, we can work safely around it.