Similar to various other contaminants or toxins, our DNA serves as the primary target for radiation. Radiation can directly interact with DNA, resulting in damage by breaking the bonds within the DNA structure. Additionally, it can indirectly harm DNA by breaking apart the water molecules that surround it. The breakdown of these water molecules generates unstable ions and other compounds that have the potential to damage cells and organs.
When a cell sustains damage, three outcomes are possible:
- The cell may repair itself and return to its normal state.
- The damage may remain unrepaired or be incorrectly repaired, leading to alterations in the cell. Such changes could eventually result in cancer.
- The damage may be so extensive that the cell ultimately dies.
When radiation damages a cell, it may either be repaired, altered, or perish.If only a small number of radiation-damaged cells die, your body can recover, and there is no risk of those cells developing into cancer. However, extensive cell death, particularly from high doses of radiation, can result in organ failure and, in the end, death.
Elevated levels of radiation exposure may result in the development of cancer in later stages of life.
Source: Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS)
