What can excess exposure to radiation cause?

Excess exposure to radiation can lead to significant health issues, specifically burns and cancer. When a person is exposed to high levels of radiation, it can damage the cells in their body. Skin burns are a direct consequence of radiation exposure, particularly in high doses, which can result in symptoms similar to thermal burns.

Moreover, radiation has the ability to cause mutations in the DNA of cells. If these mutations occur in the proper context, they can lead to the development of cancer over time. This is particularly concerning because the effects of radiation can be cumulative, meaning that repeated exposure can increase the risk of malignant transformations in cells.

While other options may present symptoms that can arise in various circumstances or conditions, they do not relate directly to the well-documented effects of high radiation exposure as closely as burns and cancer do. Understanding these consequences is crucial, especially in medical fields and veterinary practices, where safety protocols involving radiation use are vital.