What happens to biological damage as the total dose of radiation increases?

As the total dose of radiation increases, the biological damage also increases. This relationship is grounded in the linear, non-threshold model of radiation safety, which posits that even small doses of radiation can cause some level of biological harm. As the radiation dose accumulates, so does the likelihood of cellular damage, mutations, or even cancer development.

Biological tissues are exposed to ionizing radiation, which can disrupt molecular structures within cells, leading to issues such as DNA damage. With higher doses, the likelihood of such damage compounds, resulting in more severe biological effects. This is particularly critical in radiation safety and protection practices, as it underscores the importance of minimizing exposure to reduce potential risks to health.

Understanding this principle is essential for radiation safety protocols, as the aim is to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable to protect individuals from the cumulative effects of radiation.