Chronic radiation exposure is defined as exposure to a small amount of radiation over a long period. Which of the following statements is correct?

• A. A high dose in a short time
• B. A small dose over a long period
• C. No health risk
• D. Only external exposure contributes

Answer: (B)

Chronic exposure means receiving small amounts of radiation repeatedly over a long period, so the total accumulated dose matters. That’s why the statement describing a small dose over a long period is correct. Even though each dose is small, the long duration allows the exposure to accumulate, increasing risk over time. The body may repair some damage between exposures, but the overall risk is driven by the total dose and how long it lasts, which is why protection aims to minimize both dose and exposure time. The other ideas don’t fit: a high dose in a short time is an acute exposure, not chronic; there is a health risk with chronic exposure due to cumulative dose; and internal exposures (from inhalation or ingestion) can contribute just as external exposure can.