Which type of radiation effect results from high doses of exposure and is usually immediate?

Deterministic effects, also known as non-stochastic effects, arise from high doses of radiation exposure and manifest soon after the exposure occurs. These effects are characterized by a threshold dose, meaning that below this dose, no effects are expected to occur. As the radiation dose increases beyond this threshold, the severity of the effects also increases.

Examples of deterministic effects include skin burns, radiation sickness, and other acute health outcomes that can result from large doses of radiation. The immediate nature of these effects, as opposed to stochastic effects that have a probabilistic relationship with radiation exposure and may take years to develop, highlights the critical need for stringent safety protocols in environments where high levels of radiation are present.

This understanding is fundamental in radiation safety and protection, particularly in dental practices, where adherence to guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of such harmful outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers.