Type of Damage | Prospects for DNA Repair |
| Single strand break in the DNA | Can usually be repaired and normal cell function restored |
| Breaks in both DNA strands | Usually damage is to severe for repair. The cell dies. |
| Chemical change or mutation | Cannot be repaired. Cancer may result or a mutated offspring if this occurs in a sperm or egg cell |
| *Cells (such as those contained in the skin, eyes and blood-forming organs (BFO)) that reproduce rapidly are the most susceptible to damage because they cannot repair themselves easily while replicating. Acceptable radiation doses are usually given separately for these organs.
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