The effect of different doses of radiation on the human body after acute, whole-body exposure. Rad – radiation absorbed dose – is the amount of radiation that bombards a body
Death is a certainty. at doses above 5,000 rad, the central nervous system (brain and muscles) can no longer control the body functions, including breathing and blood circulation. Everything happens very quickly. Death occurs within days or hours. nothing can be done, and medical care is for comfort only.
The initial symptoms appear immediately. a few days later, things get very bad, very quickly since the gastrointestinal system is destroyed. Once the gastrointestinal system ceases to function, nothing can be done, and medical care is for comfort only.
Severe blood changes will be noted and symptoms appear immediately. Approximately two weeks later, some of those exposed may die. at 300-500 rad, up to one half of the people exposed will die within 30 days without intensive medical attention.
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Death is due to the destruction of the blood forming organs. without white blood cells, infection is likely. at the lower end of the dose range, isolation, antibiotics, and transfusions may provide the bone marrow with time to generate new blood cells, and full recovery is possible. at the upper end of the dose range, a bone marrow transplant may be required to produce new blood cells.
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