What is the potential health effect of radiation exposure called that may not appear until years later?

The term that describes potential health effects of radiation exposure that may not manifest until years later is known as late stochastic effects. This classification is associated with long-term exposure to radiation where the risks and effects are probabilistic and may develop over extended periods.

These effects typically include risks of cancer and genetic mutations that might not be apparent for many years following exposure. The absence of immediate symptoms distinguishes late stochastic effects from acute effects, which arise shortly after high doses of radiation and include symptoms such as nausea or burns.

Understanding late stochastic effects is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and assessment of individuals who may have been exposed to radiation, even if they are currently asymptomatic. Addressing long-term risks reinforces the necessity of adhering to safety protocols in radiation use to minimize exposure levels.

The categorization into acute versus chronic effects points to short-term versus long-term health implications but does not specifically focus on the delayed nature characteristic of late stochastic effects. Meanwhile, while early stochastic effects can occur soon after exposure, they do not capture the essence of the long delay that defines late stochastic outcomes.