How soon can health effects of radiation appear after exposure?

The health effects of radiation can appear immediately or within minutes following exposure, particularly in cases of high doses of radiation. This phenomenon is observed in situations involving acute radiation syndrome, where symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and other acute health effects can manifest very quickly. When high levels of radiation cause significant cell damage, the body responds swiftly, often resulting in immediate health impacts.

In contrast, other options represent longer timelines for the appearance of health effects. Days, weeks, or months later typically correspond to lower doses of radiation exposure that might lead to deterministic effects, which tend to have a delayed onset and are based on the dose received. These effects, such as skin burns or cataract formation, do not occur immediately but rather after sufficient time has passed for symptoms to develop in relation to the level and duration of exposure.

Thus, the accurate understanding of acute effects occurring immediately or within minutes highlights the risks associated with high-dose radiation exposure, emphasizing the need for prompt medical attention in such scenarios.