Which term describes the effects of radiation exposure that appear after a long latency period?

Chronic effects refer to the long-term consequences of radiation exposure, which may not manifest until long after the exposure has occurred. These effects arise after a considerable latency period, meaning that the individual may not experience symptoms or health changes until months or years later. This distinguishes chronic effects from acute effects, which appear shortly after exposure.

In the context of radiation, chronic effects encompass a range of health issues, including cancer and other serious illnesses, that develop over time and are often related to cumulative doses of radiation rather than a single high dose. Understanding this distinction is crucial for health professionals and radiologic technologists, as it influences the monitoring and management of radiation exposure for patients and occupational settings.

The other terms in the question describe different aspects of radiation effects. Acute effects refer to immediate symptoms that can arise from a high dose of radiation, while somatic effects can be both acute and chronic but usually emphasize effects appearing in the individual exposed. Deterministic effects are those where the severity of the effect is directly related to the dose, typically observed at higher exposure levels and often occurring shortly after exposure. In contrast, chronic effects are progressive and less predictable, reinforcing the importance of long-term monitoring in radiation safety practices.