Which effect leads to the accumulation of damages from repeated radiation exposure?

The cumulative effect is the correct answer because it refers to the ongoing accumulation of damage that occurs from repeated exposure to radiation over time. Each exposure adds to the previous total damage, potentially leading to increased biological effects, such as cellular and DNA damage, that can manifest as tissue changes or an increased risk of cancer. Understanding the cumulative effect is particularly important in dental and medical practices where individuals may receive multiple radiation doses over their lifetime.

In the context of radiation protection, recognizing the cumulative effect emphasizes the importance of minimizing unnecessary exposure and adhering to safety guidelines to protect patients and staff from potential harm associated with repeat radiation interactions. This principle helps inform protocols for limiting radiation usage in dental radiography and similar fields.

Other terms like accelerated effect, progressive harm, or synergistic effect refer to different concepts in radiation interactions or exposure scenarios and do not specifically denote the accumulation of damage linked to repeated radiation exposure.