Acute Radiation Syndrome (Radiation Sickness) is caused by large doses of ionizing radiation over a short period of time. Ionizing radiation damages the body by producing free radicals that break and form new chemical bonds, as well as physically damaging DNA and proteins. The severity of symptoms from radiation exposure depends on the dose received, with mild exposure between 1-2 Grays causing nausea and vomiting, moderate exposure between 2-6 Grays including diarrhea and bleeding, and severe exposure over 6 Grays leading to organ failure and potentially death.

1. Acute Radiation Syndrome (Radiation Sickness)

2. What is Acute Radiation Syndrome? Ionizing Radiation Large Amount Small Amount of time

3. How Does Radiation Damage the Body? Free Radicals New chemical bonds broken and formed Physical damage to nucleotide chains and proteins

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5. Note Slide ionizing radiation is radiation that produces immediate chemical effects on human tissue . X-rays, gamma rays, and particle bombardment (neutron beam, electron beam, protons, mesons, and others) give off ionizing radiation. This type of radiation can be used for medical testing and treatment, industrial and manufacturing purposes, weapons and weapons development, and more. 1 Gray = 100 Roentegen

6. Preceding Symptoms Mild Exposure (1-2 Gray) Moderate Exposure (2-6 Gray) Severe Exposure (6-8 Gray)

7. Developed Symptoms Mild Exposure (1-2 Gray) Moderate Exposure (2-6 Gray) Severe Exposure (6-8 Gray)

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9. Bibliography “ Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation.” Princeton University Online. 2010. Trustees of Princeton university. 14 December 2011. < http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/osradtraining/biologicaleffects/page.htm > Mayo Clinic Staff. “Radiation Sickness.” Mayoclinic. 2011. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 14 December 2011. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/radiation-sickness/DS00432