What does an increase in effective dose imply regarding radiation exposure?

An increase in effective dose from radiation exposure typically indicates a growing probability of stochastic effects. Stochastic effects are health effects that occur randomly and are associated with low levels of radiation exposure, typically manifested as increased cancer risk. This relationship is based on the principle that even small amounts of radiation can potentially cause cellular mutations, leading to cancer over time, although the exact mechanism is complex and influenced by numerous factors.

The concept of effective dose takes into account both the type of radiation and the sensitivity of various tissues to damage, allowing a comprehensive assessment of risk as the dose increases. As the effective dose rises, it implies that more cells are exposed and that the probability of some cells sustaining mutations that could lead to cancer increases.

In radiation safety and protection, understanding this relationship is crucial for managing exposure limits to minimize health risks, particularly in medical and occupational settings. Therefore, an increase in effective dose correlates directly with an increased risk of stochastic effects like cancer development, making option C the best answer in this context.