At what level does damage from ionizing radiation to human tissue occur?

Damage from ionizing radiation to human tissue primarily occurs at the cellular level. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to displace electrons from atoms and molecules, leading to the formation of ions. This process can cause direct damage to the DNA within cells, resulting in mutations, cell death, or impaired cellular function.

While damage can also manifest at higher levels, such as tissue, organ, or body, the cellular level is where the initial and most critical damage occurs. Cells are the basic building blocks of all tissue, and any effects at this foundational level can have cascading consequences that affect larger systems within the body. Therefore, understanding the cellular effects of ionizing radiation is crucial for assessing the overall impact on human health.