Signs and Symptoms of Radiation Exposure

Key points

  • Short-term health effects of radiation exposure and contamination include Acute Radiation Syndrome and Cutaneous Radiation Injury.
  • If you experience symptoms of Acute Radiation Syndrome and Cutaneous Radiation Injury after a radiation emergency, seek medical attention as soon as it is safe.
  • Medical professionals will determine if treatments are needed.
Graphic depicting radiation contamination within the body

How it affects your body

Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways. Depending on the radiation levels, the health effects may start shortly after an exposure or may not be apparent for many years. These can range from mild effects, such as skin reddening, to serious effects such as cancer and death.

The type and severity of health effects depend on:

  • The amount of radiation absorbed by the body (the dose)
  • The type of radiation
  • How you were exposed to radiation
  • Length of exposure to radiation

Signs and symptoms

Acute Radiation Syndrome

Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) is a radiation sickness that can happen when you are exposed to very high levels of radiation, usually over a short period of time.

Symptoms of ARS may include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
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Cutaneous Radiation Injury

Cutaneous Radiation Injury (CRI) happens when exposure to a large dose of radiation causes injury to the skin. Symptoms of CRI can appear from a few hours to several days after exposure.

Early signs and symptoms of CRI include:

  • Itchiness
  • Tingling
  • Skin redness (erythema)
  • Swelling caused by a buildup of fluid (edema)

Over time, other symptoms may develop depending on the site of the injury and the level of radiation dose to which the skin was exposed.

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Seek medical attention‎

If you experience any symptoms of Acute Radiation Syndrome or Cutaneous Radiation Injury (CRI) after a radiation emergency, seek medical attention as soon as it is safe.

Complications

Health complications for specific groups

A developing fetus is the most susceptible to health effects from radiation exposure.

Groups most at risk are:

  • Infants
  • Children
  • Older adults
  • People who are pregnant
  • People with weaker immune systems

Follow protective action instructions and seek medical attention after a radiation emergency as soon as it is safe.

Learn other specialized information for handling radiation emergencies while pregnant.

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Content Source:
National Center for Environmental Health