Which of the following is a potential health effect of radiation exposure?

Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) is a serious health effect that can occur following high doses of radiation exposure in a short time frame. This syndrome is characterized by a range of symptoms that can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and damage to the bone marrow, leading to a drop in blood cell counts and increased risk of infections, bleeding, and organ failure. The severity of ARS depends on the dose of radiation received, and it typically manifests within hours or days after exposure.

In contrast, the other options are not recognized health effects of radiation exposure. Increased muscle strength and enhanced cognitive function do not correlate with radiation exposure, and in fact, may be adversely affected by the stress or damage caused by radiation. Reduction in body temperature is also not a typical result of radiation exposure, as it does not directly connect to the established physiological responses to receiving radiation. Understanding ARS is crucial for radiation safety officers, as it highlights the importance of dose management and protective measures to mitigate health risks associated with radiation exposure.