Which of the following is a genetic change as a long-term effect in future generations due to radiation exposure?

• A. Leukemia
• B. Cataract formation
• C. Genetic changes
• D. Life span shortening

Answer: (C)

Genetic changes are the heritable mutations that can be passed to offspring when radiation damages germ cells (sperm or egg). This is a long-term effect because the mutation resides in the germline and can appear in future generations, not just in the irradiated individual. The other options describe effects that occur in the person who was exposed (somatic effects): leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, cataracts form in the eye lens, and life-span shortening reflects broader bodily damage in the exposed individual. Since only germ cell mutations can be inherited, genetic changes represent the hereditary, multi-generational impact of radiation.