Which category of biological effects from ionizing radiation affects only the exposed individual?

Somatic effects from ionizing radiation refer to the biological effects that occur in the individual who is directly exposed to the radiation. These effects primarily affect the tissues and organs of the exposed person and can manifest as immediate or long-term health issues such as skin burns, radiation sickness, or increased risk of cancer. Unlike genetic effects, which impact future generations by altering genetic material that can be passed on, somatic effects do not have an impact on offspring; they are confined to the individual exposed to the radiation. This makes somatic effects the correct category concerning such radiation exposure.

In contrast, genetic effects involve changes to the DNA that can be inherited, affecting descendants rather than the original exposed individual. Environmental effects pertain to how radiation impacts the surroundings, including wildlife and ecosystems, rather than focusing on individual health. Cellular effects would refer more broadly to changes at the cellular level without specifying whether they affect the whole organism or pass on to future generations.