| Acute
Effects of Radiation Exposure to Different Body Cells |
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Suggestion:
Use during two radiation team prep days.
The physical effects of radiation on human body cells depend upon
the type of cell and the amount of radiation it is exposed to. Some
cells resist radiation’s effects more than others. Some cells,
if overexposed to radiation, stop functioning normal. The table below
describes some of the effects that different amounts of radiation
may have upon the astronauts’ different body cells.
| Exposure (rems) |
Effects on the Body Cells |
Body's Reaction |
| 0-100 rems |
all cells may die |
body replaces
cells |
| |
all abnormal cells can be reproduced |
cells could
become cancerous |
| |
blood cells |
changes in
bone marrow and blood count occur |
| |
gastrointestinal tract cells |
nausea, vomiting |
| |
reproductive organ cells |
temporary
sterility among men |
| |
Cells of the eyes |
acute conjunctivitis |
| Exposure (rems) |
Effects on the Body Cells |
Symptoms |
| 100-400 rems |
blood system cells |
depression
of bone marrow |
| |
blood system cells |
platelet count
falls: death may occur 1-2 months after exposure if not medically
treated |
| |
gastrointestinal system cells |
nausea, vomiting,
fatigue, increas in body temperature |
| |
reproductive organ cells |
temporary
sterility in women |
| Exposure (rems) |
Effects on the Body Cells |
Symptoms |
| 400-600 rems |
blood system cells |
bone marrow
almost completely destroyed |
| Exposure (rems) |
Effects on the Body Cells |
Symptoms |
| 1000 rems |
gastrointestinal system cells |
destruction
of intestinal lining, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea soon after
exposure. |
| Exposure (rems) |
Effects on the Body Cells |
Symptoms |
| 2000 rems |
central nervous system cells
and all other body organ cells of the body |
unconsciousness
occurs within minutes after exposure, death follows in a matter
of hours. |
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