Radiation is a form of energy that travels as waves or high-speed particles, reports MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. Radiation occurs naturally in sunlight, but devices such as X-rays, nuclear weapons, nuclear power plants and some cancer treatments can produce radiation as well. Exposure to radiation over a long period of time or exposure to large amounts of radiation can cause adverse effects in humans. Understanding the possible effects of radiation exposure can help humanity harness radiation energy while avoiding the dangerous side effects.
Cancer
Radiation can cause damage to a person's DNA, states the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic building block of every cell in the human body. Radiation can break apart the DNA molecules in cells and rearrange or change the DNA. These kinds of changes are called mutations. Some mutations produce no effects and do not interfere with the normal metabolism of the cell. In rare cases, however, mutations can cause normal cells to become cancerous. These cells begin to reproduce rapidly and do not die. Normally, the DNA prevents this from happening, but the mutated DNA has lost this ability. DNA damage normally occurs if the patient is exposed to small amounts of radiation over an extended period of time. The risk of cancer increases the longer the patient is exposed to radiation energy.
Teratogenic Effects
If growing fetuses are exposed to radiation, they may develop genetic abnormalities, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Fetal DNA is more vulnerable and is easily damaged by radiation. The radiation can lead to abnormal growth and development in the fetus. These radiation effects on the fetus are called teratogenic effects. Genetic diseases in newborns are usually very rare, but exposure to radiation can greatly increase the risk of genetic conditions. Some changes will be easily apparent as they affect the physical development of the child. Examples include missing limbs, short stature or abnormal organ position or size. Other changes can be less obvious and include diseases that affect cell life, metabolism and energy storage. In either case, these changes can lead to severe birth defects and even the death of the baby.
Acute Radiation Sickness
Sudden exposure to large amounts of radiation can cause acute radiation sickness, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms of this disease develop within 24 hours after exposure. Symptoms include body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and diarrhea. This syndrome is caused by the massive cell death caused by the radiation. Large doses of radiation in a short period of time kills many cells. This excessive cell death leads to damage to the patient's tissues and organs. As the organs become damaged, patients will develop the symptoms of acute radiation sickness.
