What are the biological effects of radiation exposure?

The correct choice highlights the multifaceted impact of radiation exposure on biological systems. Radiation can indeed cause cellular damage, which may lead to a variety of health issues including an increased risk of cancer. This occurs because radiation interacts with the atoms within cells, potentially causing DNA damage. If the DNA repair mechanisms fail or the damage is too severe, this can result in mutations and cancer development over time.

Additionally, low levels of radiation exposure can have cumulative effects on the body, contributing to long-term health risks that may not be immediately apparent. This acknowledgment of both immediate cellular effects and the potential for latent disease is a crucial aspect of understanding radiation safety and biological effects in public health and medical contexts.

The other options do not accurately represent the full spectrum of biological effects associated with radiation exposure. Skin burns, while a potential immediate effect of high doses of radiation, do not encompass the broader and more serious implications, such as increased cancer risk. Claiming no significant effects on health ignores the well-documented risks, and while immediate illness can occur at extremely high exposures, it does not reflect the more common outcomes of standard occupational or environmental exposures.