What type of hazard does ionizing radiation pose at levels above 2 millirems?

Ionizing radiation poses a significant hazard to human health at levels above 2 millirems. This type of radiation carries enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, which can lead to cellular damage, mutations, and an increased risk of cancer over time. The biological effects of ionizing radiation can manifest as immediate effects, such as acute radiation syndrome in high doses, and long-term effects, such as carcinogenesis, particularly with prolonged exposure.

Understanding the health risks associated with this level of radiation is crucial for any environment where radiation exposure is possible, including medical settings, nuclear facilities, and various industrial applications. Notably, the threshold of concern for health impacts is taken at very low levels; even minimal exposure can accumulate over time, compounding the potential health risks. This makes it essential to monitor and manage exposure to minimize health risks in any scenario involving ionizing radiation.