What type of radiation is most likely to cause deterministic effects?

Deterministic effects are health effects that follow a threshold dose of radiation exposure, meaning symptoms appear only after a certain dose has been exceeded. High-energy ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays and X-rays, has enough energy to displace electrons from atoms, creating ions. This process can lead to significant cellular damage, particularly when large doses are absorbed over a short period.

In contrast, non-ionizing radiation (like visible light or infrared) lacks the energy necessary to ionize atoms, making it less likely to produce deterministic effects. These forms of radiation typically result in other types of effects, such as thermal effects or long-term cumulative effects at very high exposures, but they do not cause the immediate and damaging cellular effects characteristic of deterministic responses.

The nature of high-energy ionizing radiation also explains its association with effects like skin burns, hair loss, and other acute symptoms, which can manifest after reaching a specific threshold of exposure. Since the potential for immediate health effects correlates directly with the energy and ionizing capability of the radiation, high-energy sources are the most critical concern when evaluating risks related to deterministic effects.