Exposure Symptoms
Listed below are some of the probable prompt and delayed effects of certain doses of radiation when the doses are received by an individual within a twenty-four hour period.
Dosages are in Roentgen Equivalent Man (Rem)
- 0-25 No injury evident. First detectable blood change at 5 rem.
- 25-50 Definite blood change at 25 rem. No serious injury.
- 50-100 Some injury possible.
- 100-200 Injury and possible disability.
- 200-400 Injury and disability likely, death possible.
- 400-500 Median Lethal Dose (MLD) 50% of exposures are fatal.
- 500-1,000 Up to 100% of exposures are fatal.
- 1,000-over 100% likely fatal.
Example dosages and resulting symptoms when an individual receives an exposure to the whole body within a twenty-four hour period.
| 100 - 200 Rem | |
| First Day | No definite symptoms |
| First Week | No definite symptoms |
|
Second Week |
No definite symptoms |
| Third Week | Loss of appetite, malaise, sore throat and diarrhea |
| Fourth Week | Recovery is likely in a few months unless complications develop because of poor health |
| 400 - 500 Rem | |
| First Day | Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, usually in the first few hours |
| First Week | Symptoms may continue |
| Second Week | Epilation, loss off appetite |
| Third Week | Hemorrhage, nosebleeds, inflammation of mouth and throat, diarrhea, emaciation |
| Fourth Week | Rapid emaciation and mortality rate around 50% |