Which type of radiation effect exhibits a threshold?

Deterministic effects of radiation are characterized by a clear threshold level of exposure, below which the effect does not occur. These effects are often associated with high doses of radiation and typically manifest quickly after exposure, unlike stochastic effects, which are random and do not have a threshold. Deterministic effects include health issues such as radiation burns, acute radiation syndrome, and organ damage.

The threshold concept is crucial in understanding how these effects can be prevented; if exposure remains below a certain dose, the deterministic effects will not manifest. This contrasts with stochastic effects, where there is no safe level of exposure, as the probability of the effect occurring—such as cancer—continues to increase with any amount of radiation exposure.