Radiotoxicitet

Radiotoxicitet refers to the harmful effects of ionizing radiation on living organisms. Ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, and alpha and beta particles, carries enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules, creating ions. This process can damage biological tissues at the cellular level.

The primary mechanism of radiotoxicitet is DNA damage. Radiation can cause direct breaks in the DNA strands or indirect damage through the creation of free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can attack DNA. If this damage is not repaired correctly by cellular mechanisms, it can lead to mutations, cell death (apoptosis), or uncontrolled cell proliferation, which can result in cancer.

The severity of radiotoxicitet depends on several factors, including the dose of radiation received, the dose rate (how quickly the dose is delivered), the type of radiation, and the sensitivity of the exposed tissue or organ. Different tissues have varying levels of radiosensitivity; for example, rapidly dividing cells like those in bone marrow and the gastrointestinal tract are generally more susceptible to radiation damage than more mature cells.

Acute radiation syndrome can occur after exposure to very high doses of radiation over a short period, leading to immediate health effects like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and damage to blood-forming organs. Long-term effects can include an increased risk of developing cancer years or decades after exposure, as well as potential genetic mutations passed on to future generations.