Radiation Poisoning and Other Non-Cancer Dangers of X-Rays and Gamma Rays
X-rays and gamma rays can cause radiation poisoning and other noncancerous health problems. Radiation poisoning happens when a person is exposed to high doses of ionizing radiation over a short period of time. The problems that occur depend on the radiation dose, the timing of the exposure, and which areas of the body are exposed.
What is radiation poisoning?
Exposure to high doses of radiation over a short period of time can cause radiation poisoning (sometimes called radiation sickness or acute radiation syndrome) and even death. High doses of radiation can affect multiple body systems. Damage to the digestive system, cardiovascular system, bone marrow, and brain are most likely to cause serious health problems.
Who is at risk of radiation poisoning?
Radiation poisoning is rare. Most known cases have come from nuclear weapons (atomic bombs) or accidents at nuclear power plants. It could also happen if radioactive materials are released during transport or in a “dirty bomb,” which combines explosives like dynamite with radioactive material. When this type of bomb explodes, the blast spreads the radioactive materials into the surrounding area.
People who work in industries or facilities that use radiation can also be at risk. However, the risk is very low if safety controls and processes are followed.
Children and pregnant women are most sensitive to the effects of radiation.
Symptoms of radiation poisoning
Exposure to large amounts of ionizing radiation can impact many parts of the body. The first general symptoms of radiation sickness include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhea
Later on, people can lose their appetite, develop a fever, and feel very tired. They may also develop seizures and go into a coma. These symptoms can last a few hours to several months.
Skin can be affected starting several hours to days after being exposed to radiation. Symptoms can include:
- Swelling
- Itching
- Redness
- Blisters
- Ulcers
- Hair loss
Depending on the severity, it can take a few days to several weeks for these changes to resolve.
Exposure to high doses of radiation can also cause problems with other organ systems. These problems can be serious and even life-threatening.
- Bone marrow damage can lead to low levels of blood cells, causing infection and hemorrhage.
- Heart and blood vessels damage can make it hard for your heart to get blood throughout the body. This can lead to problems with other organs, such as the kidneys.
Preventing radiation poisoning
Since most exposures to high levels of radiation can’t be predicted, you can prepare by knowing what to do.
If you hear that there is a radiation emergency, take the following steps:
- Get inside. Stay away from windows and doors by getting to the middle of a building or into a basement.
- Stay inside. This will help reduce your exposure. You should close windows and doors. Drink only bottled water and eat food from factory-sealed containers.
- Stay tuned. Get the latest information from radios, televisions, computers, and mobile devices. Follow the directions from local health and safety officials.
What to do if you’re exposed to high levels of radiation
If you are exposed to high levels of radiation, wait until you’re told it’s OK to leave where you are to get medical help. Following these steps can minimize your radiation exposure and reduce the risk of radiation poisoning.
Radiation exposure at home
If you are exposed to high levels of a radioactive material, it’s important to get it off your body as soon as possible. This is called decontamination.
Start by taking off your outer layer of clothing. This can remove most of the radioactive material. Place the clothing in a plastic bag or another sealable container and put it in an area away from people and pets.
Wash any uncovered skin, including your hands and face, with soap and water. While public health officials might suggest you drink bottled water instead of tap water, in most cases, tap water is felt to be safe to use for washing. If radioactive material enters surface or groundwater, it spreads out and mixes with clean water, lowering contamination to very low levels.
Radiation exposure at work
Industries and facilities that use radiation in their processes are required to develop safety practices and monitor compliance with them. If you work in a facility where radiation is used, learn about the safety controls and procedures in your workplace.
If you are exposed to radiation at work, follow your radiation safety protocols and alert your manager and safety officer.
- Written by
- References
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Preventing and Treating Radiation Injuries and Illness. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/prevention/index.html on June 22, 2026.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Acute Radiation Syndrome: Information for Clinicians. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/hcp/clinical-guidance/ars.html on June 22, 2026.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dirty bombs: Frequently asked questions. Accessed from https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/about/dirty-bombs-faq.html on June 22, 2026.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to self-decontaminate after a radiation emergency. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/prevention/self-decontaminate.html on June 22, 2026.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preparing for a Radiation Emergency. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/safety/index.html on June 22, 2026.
Environmental Protection Agency. Protecting Yourself from Radiation. Accessed at https://www.epa.gov/radiation/protecting-yourself-radiation on June 22, 2026.
Environmental Protection Agency. Radiation Health Effects. Accessed at https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-health-effects on June 22, 2026.
Last Revised: November 10, 2022
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