What are the stochastic effects of radiation?

1 Answer
Jun 23, 2016

Effects of which the chance increases with radiation dose.

Explanation:

Effects of radiation are divided in deterministic and stochastic effects. The deterministic effects are those that occur only above a certain threshold of radiation dose. The severity of these effects increases with dose.

The stochastic effects are the effects that occur by chance and can occur at any dose. Not the severity, but the chance increases with radiation dose. These effects can be divided into two main categories:

  • Somatic stochastic effects: induction of cancer
  • Genetic stochastic effects: mutations in genes or chromosomes that can be passed on to the offspring.