Which of the following is NOT a long-term effect of radiation exposure?

Long-term effects of radiation exposure typically manifest as conditions that develop long after the initial exposure has occurred, often years or even decades later. Cancer, eye cataracts, and genetic mutations all fall within this category as documented by extensive research and case studies linking radiation exposure to these serious health outcomes.

Cancer is an established long-term risk, as various forms of cancer can develop due to DNA damage resulting from radiation. Eye cataracts can also form as a long-term consequence due to radiation affecting the lens of the eye over time, leading to potential vision impairment. Similarly, genetic mutations caused by radiation exposure can affect future generations if the damage occurs in reproductive cells, leading to hereditary conditions.

In contrast, headaches are not considered a long-term effect of radiation exposure. They are more often seen as an immediate response to various stimuli and can result from multiple factors unrelated to radiation exposure. Therefore, recognizing headaches as a non-long-term effect emphasizes the distinction between the immediate effects of exposure and the more serious, chronic conditions that may take time to develop.