What Are the Long-Term Effects of Radiation Exposure?
Long-term effects of radiation exposure can manifest as:
1. Cancer: Radiation-induced mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of various cancers. Epidemiological studies have shown a clear association between radiation exposure and increased risk of cancers such as leukemia, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer.
2. Genetic Damage: Damage to the DNA in germ cells can result in hereditary effects, potentially causing genetic disorders in future generations.
3. Cardiovascular Diseases: There is emerging evidence linking radiation exposure to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, likely due to damage to the endothelial cells lining blood vessels.
