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What are the risks of exposure to high levels of radiation?

Exposure to high levels of radiation can lead to serious health issues, including cancer, radiation sickness, and genetic damage.

Radiation is a form of energy that comes from various sources like the sun, electronic devices, and medical procedures. However, exposure to high levels of radiation, particularly ionising radiation, can be harmful. Ionising radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, thus creating ions. This process can damage the cells in your body, leading to a range of health problems.

One of the most immediate and severe effects of high radiation exposure is Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), also known as radiation sickness. Symptoms of ARS include nausea, vomiting, headache, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, it can cause damage to the central nervous system and even death.

Long-term exposure to high levels of radiation can lead to cancer. This is because the damage caused by radiation can alter the DNA within our cells. If the DNA is not properly repaired, it can lead to mutations that cause cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to cancer. The types of cancer most often caused by radiation exposure include leukaemia, and cancers of the thyroid, lung, and breast.

Another risk of radiation exposure is genetic damage. This can occur when radiation affects the reproductive cells, causing mutations that can be passed on to future generations. This can lead to a range of genetic disorders and birth defects.

It's important to note that our bodies have mechanisms to repair damage caused by radiation. However, these mechanisms are not always successful, especially when the exposure is high. Therefore, it's crucial to limit exposure to high levels of radiation whenever possible.

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