Radiation Safety Practice Exam

Which type of exposure typically leads to immediate effects on health?

1. Chronic exposure

2. Acute exposure

3. Continuous exposure

4. Prolonged exposure

The correct answer is: Acute exposure

Acute exposure refers to a situation where an individual is exposed to a high dose of radiation in a short period of time. This type of exposure typically results in immediate health effects because the intensity and brevity of the exposure can overwhelm the body's ability to repair cellular damage quickly. Symptoms may appear within hours or days after exposure and can include nausea, vomiting, skin burns, and even acute radiation syndrome, depending on the dose received. In contrast, chronic exposure occurs over a longer period with smaller doses and may not present immediate effects; rather, it can lead to long-term health issues such as cancer or organ damage that develop gradually. Continuous exposure refers to ongoing low-level exposure without significant interruption, also lacking immediate effects. Prolonged exposure, while similar in implications to chronic and continuous exposure, likewise results in delayed rather than immediate consequences. Thus, acute exposure is uniquely characterized by its potential for rapid onset of health effects.