How does radiation exposure affect human health?

Radiation exposure poses significant risks to human health primarily due to its potential to damage cellular structures, including DNA. When radiation interacts with living tissue, it can lead to ionization, which alters cellular function and can cause mutations. This damage may result in cell malfunction, cell death, or the development of cancer over time. High doses of radiation are particularly harmful and can lead to acute health effects, while lower doses might increase the risk of long-term health issues like cancer as damaged cells replicate.

Understanding the biological effects of radiation is critical for safety procedures in environments where radiation is present. It's essential for employees to recognize the potential harm associated with radiation exposure to take the necessary precautions in their work.