Which of the following impacts is considered a stochastic effect of radiation exposure?

The impact considered a stochastic effect of radiation exposure is cancer risk. Stochastic effects are those that occur by chance and whose severity does not depend on the dose of radiation received; rather, they are characterized by a probability of occurrence that increases with the dose. In the case of cancer, even very low doses of radiation can increase the likelihood of developing cancer over time, and this risk accumulates rather than causing immediate damage.

On the other hand, skin burns, acute radiation syndrome, and radiation-induced cataracts are classified as deterministic effects. These effects have a threshold dose, meaning they only occur after reaching a certain level of exposure, and their severity increases with the dose of radiation. Skin burns are a direct consequence of energy deposition in the skin. Acute radiation syndrome occurs following high doses of radiation over a short period, leading to a range of serious symptoms. Radiation-induced cataracts also have a threshold below which they do not occur, and their severity can be influenced by the dosage.

The distinction between stochastic and deterministic effects is crucial in understanding the types of risks associated with radiation exposure, especially in fields such as radiation safety and health physics.