What is a possible effect of acute radiation exposure?

Acute radiation exposure can lead to radiation sickness, which is characterized by a set of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. This occurs due to damage to rapidly dividing cells within the body, particularly in systems such as the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow. When a person is subjected to high levels of radiation in a short period, these cells are adversely affected, leading to the physical symptoms noted.

Radiation sickness arises because the body struggles to recover from the extensive cellular damage and disruption to various bodily functions. The severity of symptoms can depend on the dosage and duration of radiation exposure, and it typically manifests a few hours to days after the exposure incident. Understanding this critical consequence of acute radiation exposure is essential for workers in radiological environments, as it helps in recognizing the signs and seeking timely medical intervention.