What term describes the effects of low doses of radiation over an extended period?

The term that describes the effects of low doses of radiation over an extended period is chronic exposure. This concept emphasizes the long-term impact of ionizing radiation on biological tissues as opposed to short-term effects that are typically associated with acute exposure, which involves high doses received in a brief period.

Chronic exposure can lead to cumulative damage at the cellular level, manifesting in various health issues over time, such as an increased risk of cancer, genetic mutations, and other long-term health effects. This distinguishes chronic exposure from acute exposure, which results in immediate health effects and is usually linked to high doses of radiation that may cause immediate damage to organs and systems.

Additionally, radiation poisoning specifically refers to severe health effects resulting from high doses of radiation, typically within a very short timeframe, and immediate effects pertain to the immediate biological response to radiation exposure rather than long-term consequences. Chronic exposure focuses on the gradual accumulation of radiation effects, which is critical in understanding the long-term risks associated with prolonged, low-level exposure to radiation.