Which two terms describe the nature of cataracts as they relate to radiation exposure?

Cataracts are a well-known effect of radiation exposure and are characterized as deterministic effects. Deterministic effects are those that have a threshold level of exposure; below this threshold, no effect occurs, and above it, the severity of the effect increases with the dose of radiation. In the context of cataracts, a certain level of radiation exposure is required to induce their formation, making the onset predictable based on the dose received. Once the threshold is exceeded, the likelihood of developing cataracts increases, and they tend to occur after a specific latent period following exposure.

Stochastic effects, in contrast, are based on probability and do not have a threshold; the likelihood of occurrence increases with dose but the severity remains independent of the dose. While cataracts do have some probabilistic elements in their development, their classification as deterministic reflects the clear dose-response relationship observed in studies of radiation exposure.

Therefore, the designation of cataracts as a deterministic effect aligns with our understanding of how radiation dosage factors into their development, making this choice accurate.