Which of the following is a common symptom of radiation overexposure?

Skin burns or hair loss is a common symptom of radiation overexposure due to the damaging effects that high doses of radiation can have on the body's tissues. When the skin is exposed to excessive radiation, it can result in radiation dermatitis, leading to burns, redness, and even blisters as the skin struggles to heal. Hair follicles may also be affected, potentially resulting in hair loss in the irradiated areas.

This is related to the mechanism of how radiation interacts with living cells; it can cause direct damage to the DNA and disrupt cell regeneration processes. High doses of radiation can lead to acute effects, which include these symptoms, that manifest relatively quickly after exposure. Understanding the effects of radiation on the body is crucial for ensuring safety in environments where radiation is used, especially in dental practices where radiographic imaging is performed.