Somatic effects refer to consequences that occur to whom?

Somatic effects refer to consequences that occur to whom?

• A. The irradiated individual
• B. The environment
• C. Offspring
• D. Researchers

Answer: (A)

Somatic effects are the consequences visible in the body of the person who actually receives the radiation dose. These effects can appear soon after exposure or develop later, such as skin changes, nausea, or cataracts, and they increase the person’s risk of conditions like cancer. They are not passed to offspring—that would be genetic effects in future generations. Effects on the environment would involve external factors outside the person’s body. Therefore, the irradiated individual is the one who experiences somatic effects.

Somatic effects are the consequences visible in the body of the person who actually receives the radiation dose. These effects can appear soon after exposure or develop later, such as skin changes, nausea, or cataracts, and they increase the person’s risk of conditions like cancer. They are not passed to offspring—that would be genetic effects in future generations. Effects on the environment would involve external factors outside the person’s body. Therefore, the irradiated individual is the one who experiences somatic effects.