| 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 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.
|
