Radiation Sickness

Illness that results from exposure to radioactive substances (radium or radon), roentgen rays or explosion of an atomic bomb. Mild acute illness is manifested by anorexia, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Delayed effects resulting from repeated or prolonged exposure may result in absence or suppression of menstruation, sterility, disturbances in blood cell formation, cataract formation, carcinogenesis and leukemia. Effects from the explosion of an atomic bomb include destruction of lymphatic tissue, extensive hemorrhages, aplastic bone marrow, prolonged clotting and bleeding times, loss of hair and teeth and possible genetic changes.