The biological effects of radiation on all living organisms are termed what?

The biological effects of radiation on all living organisms are referred to as somatic or genetic effects. Somatic effects pertain to the impact of radiation on the body of the individual exposed, affecting tissues and organs and manifesting as symptoms of radiation sickness, cancer, or other health issues. These effects can occur in the exposed individual and are not inherited by future generations.

Genetic effects, on the other hand, concern the impact on the reproductive cells, which can lead to mutations in offspring. These effects can be passed down to subsequent generations, influencing hereditary traits and potentially causing genetic disorders.

Understanding these two categories is crucial in the field of environmental health, especially when assessing the risk of radiation exposure in various settings, such as medical treatments or environmental contaminations. Recognizing the difference between somatic and genetic effects helps professionals develop appropriate safety measures and health guidelines to protect both current populations and future generations from the harmful consequences of radiation exposure.