| Degree of Sensitivity | Tissue Type | Remarks | Degree of Sensitivity | Tissue Type | Remarks |
Extremely radiosensitive |
Blood-forming Organs
|
Exposures as low as 50 rad can affect the white cell population. Red cell counts fall 2-3 weeks later. General weakness, anemia, and a lower resistance to infection results. |
Radioresistant |
Skin |
Exposures between 500-1000 rad can produce skin changes. However, as little as 100 rad can cause cell death in the germinal layer. |
Moderately radiosensitive |
Reproductive Organs |
Exposures below 100 rad can reduce fertility. Temporary sterility can occur lasting 12 to 15 months following 200-300 rad. On the average, a larger exposure is needed to produce sterility in the male than in the female. |
Relatively radioresistant |
Bone and Teeth;
Respiratory System |
Some parts of bone can be damaged by 700-1500 rad. Inflammation of the lungs can occur at 1000-2000 rad. Possible hemorrhaging due to changes produced in blood vessels. |
Radiosensitive |
Digestive Organs
|
Degenerative changes occur as soon as 30 minutes after exposure of 500-1000 rad. Initial effects are: impaired secretion of necessary fluids: cell breakdown results in failure of food and water absorption leading to infection and dehydration from diarrhea. |
Very radioresistant |
Urinary System;
Muscle and Connective Tissues |
Secondary effects can show up years after exposure in the 500-2000 rad range due to changes in blood vessels. Massive exposures (over 2000 rad) are needed to cause slight changes in these tissues. |
Moderately radioresistant |
Vascular system |
Sensitivity varies for the vascular system. Damage is great only in the 600-1500 rad range. This damage by radiation contributes to some of the heart, changes in other tissues.
|
Extremely Radioresistant |
Nervous system |
Massive exposures are required (over 3000 rad) to bring about morphological changes in these tissues.
|
Close this popup.