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Radiation Exposure
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Poisoning Toxicology Environmental Health

Radiation Exposure

Radiation is energy that can be naturally occurring or man-made, and while our bodies handle low levels, high exposure can damage DNA and tissues.

What is radiation?

Radiation is energy that travels in the form of energy waves or high-speed particles. There are two types:

  • Non-ionizing radiation: Includes radio waves, cell phones, microwaves, infrared radiation, and visible light.
  • Ionizing radiation: Includes ultraviolet radiation, radon, x-rays, and gamma rays.

Sources of Radiation Exposure

Background radiation is all around us all the time. Most of it forms naturally from minerals in the ground, soil, water, and even our bodies. Background radiation can also come from outer space and the sun. Other sources are man-made, such as x-rays, radiation therapy to treat cancer, and electrical power lines.

Health Effects

Too much radiation can damage tissues by changing cell structure and damaging DNA, which can cause serious health problems, including cancer. The amount of damage depends on several factors:

  • The type of radiation
  • The dose (amount) of radiation
  • How you were exposed (skin contact, swallowing, breathing, or rays passing through the body)
  • Where the radiation concentrates in the body and how long it stays there
  • How sensitive your body is to radiation (a fetus is most vulnerable; infants, children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are also more vulnerable)

Exposure to a lot of radiation over a short period can cause skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Symptoms of ARS include headache and diarrhea. Exposure to low levels of radiation in the environment does not cause immediate health effects but can slightly increase your overall risk of cancer.

Treatments for Acute Radiation Sickness

Health care professionals determine the radiation dose by reviewing symptoms, blood tests, and measurements. Treatment focuses on:

  • Reducing and treating infections
  • Preventing dehydration
  • Treating injuries and burns
  • Helping bone marrow recover function
  • Limiting or removing internal contamination

Prevention

Steps to prevent or reduce radiation exposure include:

  • Asking about risks and benefits before medical tests using radiation, or seeking facilities that use dose-reduction techniques.
  • Reducing electromagnetic radiation from cell phones by using speaker mode or a headset.
  • Testing home radon levels and installing a reduction system if needed.
  • Taking shelter inside a building with windows and doors shut during a radiation emergency and following official instructions.

Environmental Protection Agency

Frequently Asked Questions

High-level, short-term radiation exposure can cause acute radiation syndrome (ARS), with symptoms appearing within hours to days. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fever. If you suspect significant exposure, such as from a nuclear accident or specific industrial incident, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling 911 or your local emergency number.
You can reduce exposure by limiting unnecessary medical imaging like X-rays or CT scans (discuss with your doctor). Test your home for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, and mitigate if levels are high. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Use sunscreen to protect against UV radiation. For cell phones, consider using speakerphone or headphones to keep the device away from your head.
Yes, if significant exposure is suspected, doctors can perform blood tests to check for changes in white blood cell counts, which are sensitive to radiation. Chromosome analysis (cytogenetic biodosimetry) can also estimate the radiation dose received. These tests are typically done in specific circumstances following a suspected high-level exposure, not for routine screening.
Children and fetuses are more vulnerable to radiation because their cells are dividing rapidly, making them more susceptible to DNA damage. Pregnant women should avoid unnecessary X-rays and imaging procedures. Children should also have medical imaging carefully considered, using the lowest possible dose when necessary. Protecting against radon and secondhand smoke is especially crucial for these groups.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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