What is one common health effect of high doses of radiation exposure?

High doses of radiation exposure can lead to immediate and severe health effects, one of which is radiation burns. These burns occur due to the destructive impact that high levels of radiation have on living tissue. The intensity of the radiation causes damage to the skin and underlying tissues, which can lead to painful burns that resemble thermal burns. Depending on the dose and duration of exposure, the severity of radiation burns can range from mild skin reddening to severe ulceration and necrosis.

While nausea, hair loss, and fatigue can also be associated with radiation exposure, they are typically more related to either lower doses or specific circumstances such as radiation therapy for cancer. Nausea often arises from acute radiation sickness, which can occur with substantial exposure but is not as immediately observable as burns. Hair loss, while a potential effect of radiation, is typically a delayed consequence and may not occur until weeks after exposure. Fatigue is also common following both acute and chronic radiation exposure but is more of a long-term effect rather than a direct physical manifestation like burns.