Radiation Poisoning

Alternative names: Radiation sickness.

Radiation poisoning results when humans or animals are exposed to large doses of ionizing radiation.  This exposure can be in the form of a single large exposure (acute exposure), or a series of small exposures spread over time (chronic exposure).

Ionizing radiation produces immediate chemical effects on human tissue.

Causes and Development

X-rays, gamma rays, neutron beams, electron beams and other sources of ionizing radiation exist.  Exposure from X-rays or gamma rays is measured in units of roentgens.

• Total body exposure of 100 roentgens (or 1 Gy) causes radiation sickness.
• Total body exposure of 400 roentgens (or 4 Gy) causes radiation sickness and death in 50% of individuals.  Lacking medical treatment, nearly everyone who receives more than this quantity of radiation will die within 30 days.
• Extreme amounts of radiation cause almost immediate unconsciousness, and death within an hour.

Signs and Symptoms

Acute exposure usually results in a characteristic set of symptoms that appear in an orderly fashion.  Chronic exposure usually results in delayed medical problems such as cancer and premature aging.

Symptoms of acute exposure include:

• Bleeding from nose, mouth, gums, and rectum
• Bloody stool
• Bruising
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Inflammation of exposed areas (redness, tenderness, swelling, bleeding)
• Mouth ulcers
• Nausea and vomiting
• Open sores on the skin
• Skin burns (redness, blistering)
• Shedding/peeling of skin
• Ulcers of the esophagus, stomach or intestines
• Vomiting blood
• Weakness