What are deterministic effects of radiation exposure?

Deterministic effects of radiation exposure refer to effects that occur as a direct result of a certain dose of radiation, where the severity of the effect increases with the dose received. These effects are predictable and generally have a threshold dose, meaning that below a certain level of exposure, the effects will not appear.

Cell death is a prime example of a deterministic effect, as exposure to high doses of radiation can lead to the immediate death of cells, tissues, or even organs depending on the level and duration of exposure. This type of effect is typically observed in scenarios of acute radiation exposure, where significant damage occurs within a short period of time, leading to observable biological consequences such as skin burns, radiation sickness, and, at very high doses, death.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately encompass the nature of deterministic effects. Increased radiation sensitivity and effects that improve over time do not align with the inherent characteristics of deterministic effects. Additionally, while deterministic effects can manifest as short-term health effects, they are not exclusively limited to that timeframe; they could also be considered in the context of long-term consequences if exposures are sufficiently high.