Question:

Which of the following statements about stochastic effects of radiation is true?

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Stochastic means dose changes the odds, not how severe it is.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Severity of effect is a function of dose
  • Probability of effect is a function of dose
  • It has a threshold
  • Erythema and cataract are common examples
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Radiation effects are split into two groups. Deterministic effects and stochastic effects. The question is about stochastic effects.
Step 2: Stochastic means chance based. As the radiation dose rises, the probability of the effect goes up, but the severity does not depend on the dose. So option B is correct.
Step 3: Why the others are wrong. Severity rising with dose describes deterministic effects, not stochastic, so A is wrong. Stochastic effects have no threshold, since even small doses carry some risk, so C is wrong. Erythema and cataract are deterministic effects with a threshold, so D is wrong.
Step 4: Examples of stochastic effects are cancer and heritable genetic mutations, where any dose may trigger them but the dose only changes the odds, not how bad the result is.
Answer: Probability of effect is a function of dose.
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