Which of the following describes somatic effects of radiation?

Somatic effects of radiation refer to the changes or health effects that occur in the individual directly exposed to radiation. These effects can range from acute responses, such as erythema (skin reddening) or radiation sickness, to long-term health issues like cancer or cataracts that develop as a result of the exposure.

When discussing somatic effects, it’s important to understand that these are specifically related to the individual receiving the exposure, and do not involve the genetic transmission of alterations to future generations. This distinguishes it from other types of effects, such as genetic effects, which can affect offspring and are not categorized as somatic changes.

In contrast, the other options touch upon different aspects of radiation effects, such as genetic changes that can be inherited, long-term effects that may not appear until later in life, and immediate effects on genetic material, none of which directly describe the immediate and observable changes occurring within the exposed individual. Thus, the focus on the direct impact on the individual solidifies why this choice accurately describes somatic effects of radiation.