What type of effects are associated with long-term exposure to radiation?

Long-term exposure to radiation is primarily associated with chronic effects, which develop over time and can persist for many years or even decades after the initial exposure. These effects can result from a cumulative dose of radiation and may manifest as conditions like cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Chronic effects often emerge after a latency period, making it challenging to directly correlate them with the initial exposure.

The concept of chronic effects highlights how certain health issues may not be immediately apparent and can take years to develop, underscoring the importance of monitoring and understanding long-term risks associated with radiation exposure. This is contrasted with acute effects, which are immediate and result from a high dose of radiation received in a short period. Somatic effects pertain to the individual experiencing the effects directly, while genetic effects refer to changes that could be passed on to future generations, rather than effects experienced by the person exposed.