Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What type of biological effect results from high radiation exposure during pregnancy?

1. Somatic

2. Embryological

3. Genetic

4. Non-stochastic

The correct answer is: Embryological

The correct choice is related to the specific effects that high radiation exposure can have on a developing fetus during pregnancy. Embryological effects occur when radiation exposure impacts the developing embryo or fetus, leading to potential malformations, growth restrictions, or other developmental disorders. This is particularly critical during the first trimester when the embryonic cells are rapidly dividing and differentiating. High radiation exposure during pregnancy raises concerns about teratogenic effects, which can result in congenital anomalies or developmental issues in the child. These effects tend to manifest when the radiation dose is significant, aligning with the understanding that fetal tissues are more sensitive to radiation compared to adult tissues. In contrast, somatic effects refer to damage that occurs in the individual exposed to radiation rather than in their offspring. Genetic effects are associated with changes to the DNA of reproductive cells that may be passed on to future generations but do not directly address the immediate impact on a pregnancy. Non-stochastic effects typically entail health outcomes that have a threshold dose below which they do not occur, which is less applicable in the context of high radiation exposure during pregnancy, where the emphasis is on observable changes in the developing fetus.