What can excessive exposure to ionizing radiation lead to?

Excessive exposure to ionizing radiation can indeed lead to acute radiation syndrome (ARS). This is a serious condition resulting from a high dose of radiation over a short period. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to displace atoms from molecules, which can lead to cellular damage and disruption of normal cellular functions.

In the case of ARS, the body experiences a breakdown in its ability to regenerate cells, particularly in tissues with high turnover rates, such as bone marrow, gastrointestinal lining, and skin. Symptoms of acute radiation syndrome can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, damage to the immune system, which heightens susceptibility to infections and may lead to death.

In contrast, the other options suggest effects that do not align with the biological impacts of excessive ionizing radiation. For instance, improved health outcomes, increased immunity, and allergy elimination are generally associated with positive changes in health and wellness, not with the harmful effects of ionizing radiation exposure. In fact, the opposite is true; excessive radiation exposure typically results in detrimental health consequences rather than beneficial effects.