Which of the following are considered long-term effects of radiation injury?

• A. Immediate skin reddening
• B. Late somatic changes such as cancer, leukemia, life span shortening, cataract formation and genetic changes
• C. Temporary fatigue
• D. Acute radiation sickness

Answer: (B)

Long-term radiation injury effects are those that appear after a significant delay and can manifest years after exposure. The description that lists cancer, leukemia, life-span shortening, cataract formation, and genetic changes fits this pattern, because these outcomes arise from delayed DNA damage and its consequences over time. These late somatic and genetic changes reflect the sustained impact of radiation on cells and tissues, often with a latency period before clinical signs appear.

In contrast, immediate skin reddening is an acute effect that occurs soon after exposure, and acute radiation sickness is a severe immediate consequence of high-dose exposure. Temporary fatigue is typically a short-lived symptom rather than a stable late effect.