The ions produced within the cell are electrically charged and chemically active. If a large enough cell population damage occurs, then radiation effects may be immediate and fatal to the living organism. The radiation effects may show up in a matter of days as acute effects, or, late effects years after the exposure. One type of cancer treatment is the use of radiation because cancer cells are multiplying in a rapid rate. Children are more sensitive to radiation than adults.
Fetuses are especially sensitive to radiation exposure.
8.3 Acute and Chronic Exposure Acute exposure or an acute dose means the exposure is delivered in a short period of time. The exact time frame is not well defined, but exposures received in hours or days are considered acute. Acute exposure does not necessarily mean a large and a lethal dose. It just mean a short time frame. Chronic exposure is exposure spread over a longer period of time.