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Exposure
Symptoms
Listed below are some of the probable prompt and delayed effects
of certain doses of radiation when the
doses are received by an individual within a twenty-four hour
period.
Dosages are in Roentgen Equivalent Man (Rem)
• 0-25 No injury evident. First detectable blood
change at 5 rem.
• 25-50 Definite blood change at 25 rem. No serious injury.
• 50-100 Some injury possible.
• 100-200 Injury and possible disability.
• 200-400 Injury and disability likely, death possible.
• 400-500 Median Lethal Dose (MLD) 50% of exposures are fatal.
• 500-1,000 Up to 100% of exposures are fatal.
• 1,000-over 100% likely fatal.
The delayed effects of radiation may be due either to a single large
overexposure or continuing low-level overexposure.
Example dosages and resulting symptoms when an individual receives
an exposure to the whole body within a twenty-four hour period.
| 100 - 200 Rem |
|
| First Day |
No definite symptoms |
| First Week |
No definite symptoms |
Second Week |
No definite symptoms |
| Third Week |
Loss of appetite, malaise, sore throat and diarrhea |
| Fourth Week |
Recovery is likely in a few months unless complications
develop because of poor health |
| 400 - 500 Rem |
|
| First Day |
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, usually in the first few
hours |
| First Week |
Symptoms may continue |
| Second Week |
Epilation, loss off appetite |
| Third Week |
Hemorrhage, nosebleeds, inflammation of mouth and throat,
diarrhea, emaciation |
| Fourth Week |
Rapid emaciation and mortality rate around 50% |
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