What level of radiation exposure is most likely to result in abnormal responses due to irradiation during pregnancy?

Radiation exposure during pregnancy is a significant concern due to the potential effects on the developing fetus. The thresholds for abnormal responses, such as malformations or developmental issues, tend to be established based on research and epidemiological studies.

An exposure level of 250 mGy is recognized as a threshold where potential harmful effects on the fetus could occur. This level of radiation is significant enough to disturb cellular processes and increase the risk of teratogenic effects, which are detrimental to fetal development. It represents a midpoint in the range where significant biological effects have been observed, distinguishing it from lower levels of exposure that are typically considered safe and more likely to result in negligible risks.

Higher exposure levels, such as 500 mGy or 750 mGy, are associated with greater risks of severe outcomes, including higher incidences of fetal demise or more pronounced congenital malformations, but the threshold for abnormal responses can be marked at 250 mGy, making it a critical level for consideration in radiation safety protocols during pregnancy.