Texas Industrial Radiography Gamma Practice Test

Which of the following effects of radiation appear years after exposure?

1. Acute Effects

2. Somatic Effects

3. Isotopes

4. Delayed Effects

The correct answer is: Delayed Effects

Delayed effects of radiation are those that manifest years or even decades after the initial exposure. These effects are often associated with the long-term damage that radiation can cause to cells and DNA. For example, certain types of cancer, cataracts, or other chronic health issues can develop many years following exposure to significant levels of radiation. In contrast, acute effects, which are immediate or short-term responses to radiation exposure, can include symptoms such as nausea or skin burns and typically arise shortly after the exposure. Somatic effects refer to the impact radiation has on an individual's body rather than on offspring and can include both acute and delayed effects. Isotopes are variants of elements with different neutron counts and are not directly related to the timing of radiation effects experienced by an individual. Thus, delayed effects stand out because they highlight the long-term consequences of radiation exposure, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and protective measures in environments where radiation is present.