What is the primary risk associated with exposure to radiation?

The primary risk associated with exposure to radiation is an increased cancer risk. This is because radiation, particularly ionizing radiation, can damage the DNA in cells. When DNA is damaged, it can lead to mutations and changes in cellular function. Over time, such mutations can accumulate, and some may result in uncontrolled cell growth, which is characteristic of cancer.

Cancer risk is particularly significant because the effects of radiation exposure may not be apparent immediately; they can develop over many years or even decades after exposure. This delayed onset makes it more insidious compared to immediate effects like skin burns or hair loss, which can occur with high levels of radiation exposure and are typically more acute and recognizable.

While other options like immediate skin burns and loss of hair can occur in high-dose scenarios, they are not the primary long-term risk associated with radiation exposure. Similarly, the increased risk of heart disease is a potential concern, but current evidence mainly associates radiation exposure more directly with cancer rather than cardiovascular diseases.