Somatic damage, from radiation

Explain the difference between somatic damage from radiation and genetic damage. Which type causes immediate damage to the exposed individual ... 

Ans. Even if cells survive, there may be chemical alterations of the nucleic acids, particularly DNA, which can result in chromosome damage or mutations. In somatic tissue, this can induce cancer. For example, it can lead to cancer in bone tissue directly, or to leukemia from effects on bone marrow. If these changes occur in germ tissue, the radiation effects may not show up until in later generations. 

Eisenhower s announcement failed to quiet the debate over radiation problems because new recommendations of the National Committee on Radiation Protection soon produced another controversy. The issue stemmed from a decision of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, made public in early 1959, to advise a maximum permissible level for whole-population exposure firom internal emitters of one-hundredth of the occupational limit for gonad-seeking radioisotopes and one-thirtieth of the occupational limit for radioisotopes that do not affect the reproductive cells. Most internal emitters, including strontium 90, cause somatic rather than genetic damage. The action of the ICRP... 

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