What can excessive exposure to radiation potentially lead to?

Excessive exposure to radiation can lead to a variety of health issues, most notably cancer. Radiation can cause damage to the DNA within cells, which may result in mutations. These mutations can disrupt normal cell function, leading to unregulated cell growth, which is a hallmark of cancer. The types of cancer associated with radiation exposure can vary, but they often include leukemia, thyroid cancer, and various solid tumors.

In addition to cancer, excessive radiation exposure can cause other health effects, including radiation sickness, which manifests with symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and severe burns. Long-term exposure can be particularly hazardous, as the cumulative effects of radiation can weaken the immune system and increase the likelihood of developing serious health conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to follow safety protocols and limit exposure to radiation in medical, occupational, and environmental settings to mitigate these risks.