Which factor can exacerbate the effects of radiation exposure?

Pre-existing health conditions can significantly exacerbate the effects of radiation exposure. Individuals with certain health issues, particularly those affecting the immune system or tissues that are sensitive to radiation, may experience more severe reactions to radiation than healthier individuals. For instance, pre-existing conditions could compromise the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA, making the individual more susceptible to both immediate and long-term effects of radiation exposure.

In contrast, while factors like user error with protective equipment can lead to increased exposure, they do not inherently alter the body's biological response to radiation. Lower levels of motivation can impact safety practices but do not affect the physiological reactions to radiation itself. Enhanced physical training regimens might improve overall health and resilience but do not counteract the biological vulnerabilities that exist due to pre-existing conditions when it comes to radiation exposure.