Effects of radioactive exposure on human body

Mail Today Bureau   |   Mail Today  |   New Delhi, March 16, 2011 | UPDATED 09:21 IST



As Japan races to thwart a nuclear catastrophe after a devastating earthquake and tsunami that affected the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant, here is how exposure to high levels of radiation can harm the human body.

Skin: Caught in the roots of body hair causing skin cancer.

Thyroid gland: Is susceptible to radioactive iodine which can destroy it.

Stomach: Damage to intestinal tract lining will cause nausea, vomiting blood and diarrhoea.

Blood system: Severe loss of white blood cells leaves victim more susceptible to infection.

Reproductive system: Damage to ovaries and eggs in women. Damage to prostate and testes in men.

Bone marrow: Damage leading to leukaemia or aplactic anaemia

Eye: Causes cataracts.

Exposure can cause Lung cancer and Breast cancer.

Symptoms after moderate exposure: Fever, hair loss, vomiting and diarrhoea.



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