Which of the following is indicative of somatic effects?

Somatic effects refer to the changes or injuries that occur in the exposed individual, as opposed to genetic effects which impact future generations. In this context, the chosen answer accurately represents physical symptoms that directly affect the individual exposed to radiation or harmful substances.

Hair loss and skin redness are clear examples of bodily responses to radiation exposure, demonstrating direct physical damage. These effects manifest within the individual’s lifetime and are results of cellular damage in affected tissues, making them quintessential somatic effects. Such changes can be observed immediately or shortly after exposure and are results of effects on non-reproductive cells.

The other options relate to different concepts: altered DNA in offspring points to genetic effects, deformation of reproductive cells also indicates a genetic implication, and psychological disorders might arise from trauma or stress but do not classify as somatic effects, as they do not represent physical changes in tissue directly related to exposure. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the impact of radiation on health.