Which of the following health issues is linked to the long-term effects of radiation exposure?

Cataracts are a well-documented health issue that can develop as a long-term effect of radiation exposure. The formation of cataracts occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to vision impairment. This condition has been extensively studied, particularly in relation to radiation therapy and exposure among radiation workers and populations exposed to nuclear incidents.

The underlying mechanism involves the damage to the lens fibers caused by ionizing radiation, which can result in changes to the cellular structure and function over time. This risk increases with the dose of radiation absorbed by the eyes, particularly at higher doses or prolonged exposure.

While chronic fatigue, hair loss, and insomnia can also arise from various health conditions or acute stressors, they are not directly recognized as common long-term effects specifically linked to radiation exposure. Thus, cataracts stand out as the primary concern in this context due to their established connection to ongoing exposure to radiation.