What factor is critical in determining the severity of radiation effects?

The severity of radiation effects is primarily determined by the dose of radiation received. Dose refers to the amount of energy deposited in a given mass of tissue and is critical in understanding how radiation interacts with biological systems. Higher doses of radiation are correlated with more significant damage at the cellular and tissue levels, leading to more severe deterministic effects, which are defined effects that occur above a certain threshold dose.

For example, with doses that exceed a certain limit, clinical manifestations of injuries, such as skin burns or radiation sickness, can be observed and will become more severe as the dose increases. It is crucial to understand that all other factors, such as timing of exposure or type of radiation, can influence the biological response but ultimately, the severity of effects is directly tied to the dose received. Therefore, understanding and calculating the dose is fundamental in radiological protection and in assessing potential health impacts from exposure to radiation.