Ionizing radiation can damage biological cells and tissues through direct or indirect action. Direct action involves radiation directly ionizing molecules like DNA, while indirect action involves radiation ionizing water molecules to form free radicals that then damage cells. The biological effects of radiation can be deterministic or stochastic. Deterministic effects have thresholds and increase in severity with higher doses, like tissue damage. Stochastic effects have no threshold and probability increases with dose, like cancer induction. Radiation exposure can cause somatic effects in the exposed individual or genetic effects passed to offspring. Protective measures aim to reduce radiation exposure according to the ALARA principle and use time, distance, shielding.