What type of radiation exposure is known to lead to congenital anomalies in prenatal cases?

High-dose radiation exposure is known to lead to congenital anomalies in prenatal cases due to the significant biological effects it can cause at elevated levels. When a developing fetus is exposed to high doses of radiation, especially during critical periods of development, the radiation can damage DNA and disrupt normal cellular processes. This can result in malformations, growth restrictions, and other serious developmental issues.

The risk of congenital anomalies is particularly heightened during the first trimester when organs and systems are forming. High doses of radiation can cause mutations that lead to severe outcomes such as intellectual disabilities, physical malformations, and increased risk of cancers later in life. Therefore, understanding the biological impact of high-dose radiation exposure is crucial for assessing the risks associated with prenatal radiation exposure.

In contrast, the other types of radiation exposures, such as low-dose exposure, radon exposure, and cosmic radiation, typically do not produce the same level of risk for congenital anomalies, especially when considered in the context of normal background levels or everyday exposure, which are generally much lower and thus less harmful.