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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #971 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Effects — High-Dose Effects

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

What is the maximum amount of radiation an average human being can handle at one point without any long- or short-term effects? What will happen to someone exposed to moderate levels of radiation?

After exposure to about 100 rem (1000 mGy), some exposed people will begin to feel the effects of radiation sickness. These effects can include nausea, vomiting, and feelings of fatigue. This may not occur for several days or even a few weeks after exposure. Higher radiation doses will produce more severe radiation sickness and the symptoms appear more rapidly after the exposure.

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Approximately 5,000 mGy is the approximate dose that will lead to a 50/50 chance of death in 60 days. The smallest dose below which no significant health effects are observed is about 100 mGy. The principal health effect in this dose range is cancer. At doses above 500 mGy, acute clinical changes (for example, blood counts) may be observed. Kenneth L. Mossman, Ph.D.

Answer posted on 26 June 2001. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.