Assessing danger from radiation exposure is difficult

Radiation exposure can permanently damage the DNA and RNA of cells in humans. Assessing the dangers Japanese residents face from their damaged nuclear reactors is difficult. Curtis Miyamoto, the director of radiation oncology at Temple University Hospital, says the effect depends on the dose. "Low doses mean bone marrow damage, and intermediate doses mean damage to the gastrointestinal tract," Miyamoto said. "Higher doses destroy the brain and central nervous system." When radiation damages the GI tract or the central nervous system, the prognosis is poor, and death can come within a few weeks, he said.
March 15-17, 2011 | Fox29, 6ABC, KYW News Radio