Which of the following terms describes the harmful effects on cells and organs from radiation?

The term that describes the harmful effects on cells and organs from radiation is known as somatic effects. Somatic effects refer specifically to the biological consequences of radiation exposure that manifest in the individual exposed, such as damage to tissues and organs. This includes both immediate and long-term health impacts, such as cancer, radiation sickness, and other physical impairments, which are a direct result of ionizing radiation interacting with body cells.

In contrast, infectious effects are primarily associated with diseases caused by pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, rather than the impact of radiation. Environmental effects encompass broader influences of radiation on ecosystems, including changes in wildlife and plant life rather than direct health impacts on individuals. Genetic effects pertain to the alterations in the DNA of reproductive cells that can be passed to future generations, rather than the immediate effects on existing tissues and organs. Therefore, somatic effects are the most accurate term for describing the specific harm caused by radiation to individual cells and organs.