What does the term "radiogenic" refer to?

The term "radiogenic" specifically refers to effects or conditions that arise as a direct result of exposure to radiation. This encompasses a range of biological effects induced by ionizing radiation, which can include cellular damage, mutations, and ultimately, the development of cancer over time. When organisms or tissues are subjected to radiation, the energy from the radiation can damage DNA and other cellular structures, leading to abnormal cell function or proliferation, which is the basis for many radiogenic health issues, including cancer.

The other concepts listed do not relate to effects caused by radiation. For instance, changes caused by chemical exposure involve different mechanisms of toxicity and do not focus on the radiation aspect. Mental health effects due to stress are psychological phenomena unrelated to physical radiation exposure, and physical injuries from accidents pertain to external traumatic events rather than biological changes induced by radiation. Thus, the definition of "radiogenic" aligns clearly with the impact of radiation on biological systems, especially regarding cancer.