Radiation effects

Ionising radiation transports energy. When this radiation energy hits biological tissue - for example in the human body - it is taken up (absorbed) by the tissue. The absorbed energy may produce manifold effects. If and to what extent the radiation exposure of an organism leads to health damage depends on the absorbed radiation dose, the type of radiation and which organ or body tissue is mainly affected. If the radiation dose is very high, tissue or even the entire organism may die. Radiation damage can, however, also be repaired. But, if repair is faulty, the long-term result may be the development of cancer or leukaemia, for instance.