What can be a consequence of prolonged exposure to beta radiation?

Prolonged exposure to beta radiation primarily causes skin burns due to the interaction of beta particles with the skin layers. Beta radiation consists of high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons, which can penetrate the outer layers of the skin. When exposure is significant and sustained, these particles can damage the skin cells, leading to burns that may present as redness, blistering, or in severe cases, deeper tissue damage.

The skin is the first line of defense against radiation, and while it can endure brief encounters with beta particles, long-term exposure overwhelms the skin's ability to recover, leading to injury. This effect is particularly pronounced in areas of the skin that may be exposed directly to beta sources, whether they be from radioactive material or environmental sources.

In contrast, conditions such as internal organ failure, instantaneous blindness, or hair loss are generally associated with other types of radiation exposure or longer-term radiation effects rather than direct damage from beta radiation to the skin itself. Therefore, skin burns represent the most immediate and observable consequence of prolonged beta radiation exposure.