Which group is more sensitive to radiation exposure?

Which group is more sensitive to radiation exposure?

• A. Older people
• B. Younger people
• C. People with prior exposure
• D. People with high activity

Answer: (B)

Younger individuals are more sensitive to radiation exposure because their bodies contain many actively dividing cells and developing tissues. Ionizing radiation damages DNA, and cells that are rapidly dividing are more likely to incur harmful changes or die as a result. Since children have more growth underway and more years ahead for potential late effects to appear, their risk from the same dose is higher than in adults. In older people, cell division slows and tissues are more mature, which reduces sensitivity. Prior exposure relates to the total dose already received rather than an inherent increase in sensitivity, and high activity isn’t a standard factor that raises radiosensitivity.

Younger individuals are more sensitive to radiation exposure because their bodies contain many actively dividing cells and developing tissues. Ionizing radiation damages DNA, and cells that are rapidly dividing are more likely to incur harmful changes or die as a result. Since children have more growth underway and more years ahead for potential late effects to appear, their risk from the same dose is higher than in adults. In older people, cell division slows and tissues are more mature, which reduces sensitivity. Prior exposure relates to the total dose already received rather than an inherent increase in sensitivity, and high activity isn’t a standard factor that raises radiosensitivity.