What is the main process by which tissue damage occurs from radiation exposure?

Radiation exposure causes tissue damage primarily through the process of ionization. When ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays, interacts with biological tissues, it can displace electrons from atoms, leading to the formation of ions. This ionization can disrupt cellular structures and functions, especially DNA, which is critical for cell replication and overall cellular health.

The damage caused by ionization can lead to a range of biological effects, from immediate cell death to long-term changes such as mutations and cancer development. Understanding this process is crucial in fields like industrial radiography, where managing radiation exposure is essential for the safety of workers and the public.

While cell division and mitosis are processes related to how cells replicate, they are not the direct mechanisms by which radiation causes damage. Bremsstrahlung refers to a radiation phenomenon that occurs when charged particles are decelerated, leading to the production of secondary radiation but is not a direct cause of tissue damage from exposure.