Final answer:
Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) occurs when a person is exposed to 600 rad or more as a whole-body dose in a short time, leading to severe health effects including potential death. Radiation has a cumulative effect, making any exposure significant for long-term health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS):
When an individual receives a whole-body dose of 600 rad (or 6 Sv) or more in a short period, the health impact is severe, often referred to as Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). Symptoms of ARS can range from changes in blood chemistry to nausea, weakness, skin burns and internal tissue damage with the potential for death.
For instance a dose of approximately 500 rems (5 Sv) is estimated to result in a 50% chance of mortality within 30 days post-exposure. Radiation exposure has a cumulative effect on the body over a lifetime, making it crucial to minimize unnecessary exposure. Low doses of radiation such as those less than 50 rem (0.5 Sv) may not lead to immediate symptoms but can still cause long-term health problems like cancer or genetic changes. Understanding the immediate and long-term health effects of radiation is vital for safety and health.