Physics and Engineering of Radiation Detection

658 Chapter 11. Dosimetry and Radiation Protection

Reproduction

Uncontrolled

Radiation Damage

Natural Repair Cell Death

Operate Normally

No Reproduction

Benign Conditions Genetic Effects Cancer

Operate Abnormally

Figure 11.6.1: Diagram of possible damage and repair steps a cell

may follow after irradiation.

instantaneous dose received for a long period of time is termed aschronic exposure.
We will discuss the effects of such exposures in the following two subsections.

A.1 AcuteExposure

High instantaneous dose received in a short period of time can cause severe damage
to skin and internal organs. It is generally accepted that a radiation dose of greater
than 0.1Gyreceived within a short period of time (hours to a few days) can be
classified as a source of acute exposure. The severity of the damage caused by acute
dose depends on the dose level while the recovery depends on the general health of
the individual.
In the following the damage to specific organs and the resulting symptoms have
been listed according to the dose level. Note that the higher the dose the more
probable it is to cause multiple kinds of damages.

Dose> 50 Gy: This extremely high dose can cause permanent damage to

cells of the nervous system. The damage can result in internal bleeding and