Dose in rems  (whole body)

Health Effects - Immediate

Health Effects - Delayed

1,000 or more

Immediate death. “Frying of the brain”.

None

600-1,000

Weakness, nausea, vomiting and  diarrhea followed by apparent  improvement. After several days: fever, diarrhea, blood discharge from the bowels, hemorrhage of the larynx, trachea, bronchi or lungs, vomiting of blood and blood in the urine.

Death in about 10 days. Autopsy shows destruction of hematopoietic tissues, including bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen; swelling and degeneration of epithelial cells of the intestines, genital organs, and endocrine glands.

250-600

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epilation (loss of hair), weakness, malaise, vomiting of blood, bloody discharge from the bowels or kidneys, nose bleeding, bleeding from gums and genitals, subcutaneous bleeding, fever, inflammation of the pharynx and stomach, and menstrual abnormalities.  Marked destruction of bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen causes decrease in blood cells especially granulocytes and thrombocytes.

Radiation-induced atrophy of the

endocrine glands including the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.

From the third to fifth week after exposure, death is closely correlated with degree of leukocytopenia. More than 50% die in this time period.  

Survivors experience keloids, ophthalmological disorders, blood dyscrasis, malignant tumors, and psychoneurological disturbances.

150-250

Nausea and vomiting on the first day.  Diarrhea and probable skin burns.  Apparent improvement for about two weeks thereafter. Fetal or embryonic death if pregnant.

Symptoms of malaise as indicated above. Persons in poor health prior to exposure, or those who develop a serious infection, may not survive. The healthy adult recovers to somewhat normal health in about three months.  He or she may have permanent health damage, may develop cancer or benign tumors, and will probably have a shortened lifespan. Genetic and teratogenic effects.

50-150

Acute radiation sickness and burns are less severe than at the higher exposure dose. Spontaneous abortion or stillbirth.

Tissue damage effects are less severe. Reduction in lymphocytes and neutrophils leaves the individual temporarily very vulnerable to infection. There may be genetic damage to offspring, benign or malignant tumors, premature ageing, and shortened lifespan. Genetic and teratogenic effects.

10-50

Most persons experience little or no immediate reaction. Sensitive individuals may experience radiation sickness.

Transient effects in lymphocytes and neutrophils. Premature ageing, genetic effects and some risk of tumors.

0-10

None

Premature ageing, mild mutations in                                  

offspring, some risk of excess tumors.  Genetic and teratogenic effects.