Which type of effect from radiation does not have a dose threshold?

Stochastic effects from radiation are those that do not have a dose threshold, meaning that even the smallest amount of radiation exposure carries some level of risk for these effects to occur. These effects are characterized by their probabilistic nature; that is, the likelihood of occurrence increases with the dose, but there is no specific dose level below which the effect is certain not to happen.

The classic example of a stochastic effect is cancer development. Because stochastic effects are linked to random cellular damage or mutations that may occur due to radiation exposure, their effects can manifest long after exposure and without a direct relationship to the dose received.

In contrast, deterministic effects, such as radiation skin burns or acute radiation syndrome, have a clear threshold; below this threshold, the effects do not occur. Stochastic effects involve longer latency periods and can influence populations rather than individuals. Understanding the distinction of dose thresholds is essential in radiation safety and risk assessment, particularly concerning long-term health outcomes in both occupational and environmental exposures.