Radiation Safety Practice Exam

Which dose would you expect to cause the most harm?

1. 50 REM acute exposure

2. 100 REM acute exposure

3. 200 REM acute exposure

4. 500 REM acute exposure

The correct answer is: 200 REM acute exposure

When evaluating doses of radiation and their potential to cause harm, it’s essential to understand the effects of acute exposure in terms of the dose received. In this scenario, the doses are measured in REM (Roentgen equivalent man), which reflects the biological effect of ionizing radiation. The higher the dose of radiation exposure, the greater the biological damage can be expected due to the increased ionization events occurring within biological tissues. Doses, particularly in the range of hundreds of REM, can lead to acute radiation syndrome (ARS) and significantly disrupt normal cellular processes. A dose of 200 REM acute exposure is substantial enough to result in life-threatening effects, impacting bone marrow, intestines, and other critical tissues, leading to severe health consequences. It is recognized that with doses around this level, particularly in acute settings, individuals may experience symptoms due to the rapid destruction of cells and tissues that are sensitive to radiation. These might include nausea, vomiting, and a range of hematological effects. The risk of death, complications, and long-term health effects increases significantly with doses upward of this magnitude. Thus, when considering the options, the dose of 200 REM acute exposure is expected to cause substantial harm due to the acute nature of the exposure and the considerable