Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Leukemia may be produced as a result of over-exposure to which type of radiation?

1. Ultraviolet radiation

2. Ionizing radiation

3. Non-ionizing radiation

4. Visible light

The correct answer is: Ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiation is known to have sufficient energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, thus creating ions. This process can lead to significant cellular damage, including alterations in DNA. Prolonged or high-level exposure to ionizing radiation can cause mutations in the genetic material of cells, which is a key factor in the development of leukemia, a type of cancer that affects blood-forming tissues. Research shows that exposure to sources of ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, and radioactive materials, is associated with an increased risk of developing leukemia. This connection is well-established in clinical studies and occupational health assessments, as individuals who have been exposed to higher levels of ionizing radiation, such as atomic bomb survivors or workers in certain industries, show elevated rates of leukemia. In contrast, ultraviolet radiation, non-ionizing radiation, and visible light do not have the same capacity to ionize atoms or cause direct DNA damage to the extent that ionizing radiation does. Hence, their correlation with leukemia is not supported in the same way.