Signs and symptoms
... The signs and symptoms of radiation sickness may include: Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Skin burns (radiodermatitis) Weakness Fatigue Loss of appetite Fainting Dehydration Inflammation (swelling, redne...

Causes
... Exposure to large doses of penetrating (ionizing) radiation causes radiation sickness. The condition can be chronic or acute: Chronic radiation sickness. Chronic radiation sickness may take several da...

Risk factors
... You can be exposed to radiation anywhere radioactive materials are used, such as in nuclear power plants, medical centers, research labs or mines where radioactive materials are removed. The amount of...

When to seek medical advice
... If you or someone you know has been exposed to a large dose of radiation, seek emergency medical treatment. Evacuate the area of exposure. If you think you have radioactive material on your body, remo...

Screening and diagnosis
... To measure radiation exposure, doctors and scientists use units called rem and millirem (one thousandth of a rem). According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American receives a dos...