Individual Sensitivity - hdbk110997

DOE-HDBK-1109-97

Radiological Safety Training for Radiation-Producing (X-Ray) Devices

Student's Guide

v. Individual Sensitivity.

Some individuals are more sensitive to radiation than others. Age, gender, and overall

health can have an effect on how the body responds to radiation exposure.

vi. Cell Sensitivity.

Some cells are more sensitive to radiation than others. Cells that are more sensitive to

radiation are radiosensitive; cells that are less sensitive to radiation are radioresistant.

The law of Bergonie and Tribondeau states: The radiosensitivity of a tissue is directly

proportional to its reproductive capacity and inversely proportional to its degree of

differentiation.

It is generally accepted that cells tend to be radiosensitive if they are:

1) Cells that have a high division rate

2) Cells that have a high metabolic rate

3) Cells that are of a non-specialized type

4) Cells that are well nourished

The following are radiosensitive tissues:

1) Germinal

2) Hematopoietic

3) Epithelium of the skin

4) Epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract

The following are radioresistant tissues:

1) Bone

2) Liver

3) Kidney

4) Cartilage

5) Muscle

6) Nervous system tissue