Extremely radiosensitive |
Blood-forming Organs
- lymph nodes
- thymus
- spleen
- bone marrow
|
Exposures as low as 50 rad can affect
the white cell population. Red cell counts fall 2-3 weeks later. General
weakness, anemia, and a lower resistance to infection results. |
Moderately radiosensitive |
Reproductive Organs |
Exposures below 100 rad can reduce fertility.
Temporary sterility can occur lasting 12 to 15 months following 200-300
rad. On the average, a larger exposure is needed to produce sterility
in the male than in the female. |
Radiosensitive |
Digestive Organs
- small intestine
- lower intestine
- pharynx
- esophagus
|
Degenerative changes occur as soon as
30 minutes after exposure of 500-1000 rad. Initial effects are: impaired
secretion of necessary fluids: cell breakdown results in failure of
food and water absorption leading to infection and dehydration from
diarrhea. |
Moderately radioresistant |
Vascular system |
Sensitivity varies for the vascular system.
Damage is great only in the 600-1500 rad range. This damage by radiation
contributes to some of the heart, changes in other tissues. |
Radioresistant |
Skin |
Exposures between 500-1000 rad can produce
skin changes. However, as little as 100 rad can cause cell death in
the germinal layer. |
Relatively radioresistant |
Bone and Teeth; Respiratory
System |
Some parts of bone can be damaged by 700-1500
rad. Inflammation of the lungs can occur at 1000-2000 rad. Possible
hemorrhaging due to changes produced in blood vessels. |
Very radioresistant |
Urinary System; Muscle
and Connective Tissues |
Secondary effects can show up years after
exposure in the 500-2000 rad range due to changes in blood vessels.
Massive exposures (over 2000 rad) are needed to cause slight changes
in these tissues. |
Extremely Radioresistant |
Nervous system |
Massive exposures are required (over 3000
rad) to bring about morphological changes in these tissues. |
