What are the potential health effects of high doses of radiation?

High doses of radiation can cause significant health effects, particularly acute radiation syndrome (ARS) and an increased risk of cancer. Acute radiation syndrome is a severe illness that occurs after exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation, typically in a short time frame. It is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, damage to bone marrow, which can lead to life-threatening conditions due to the loss of the body’s ability to produce blood cells.

In addition to the immediate effects associated with ARS, exposure to high doses of radiation significantly raises the likelihood of developing cancer later in life. This occurs because radiation can cause mutations in the DNA of cells. These changes can potentially lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

The other options suggest health effects that may occur from lower doses of radiation or are not typical outcomes of high radiation exposure. Skin irritation and fatigue might be possible responses to various environmental factors but are less representative of the serious and life-threatening dangers posed by high radiation levels. Immediate hair loss and minor burns could occur but are usually not as severe as ARS and are not comprehensive enough to describe the broader risks. Lastly, enhanced immune response is generally not associated with high radiation exposure; in fact, high doses may