Hereditary effects and cancer incidence are classified as which type of effects?

Hereditary effects and cancer incidence fall under the classification of stochastic effects. Stochastic effects are those that occur by chance and have a probability of occurrence that is proportional to the dose received, without a threshold level of exposure. This means that even very low doses of radiation can increase the likelihood of these effects occurring, although the severity is not determined by the amount of exposure.

In the context of radiation exposure, hereditary effects can manifest as genetic mutations passed on to subsequent generations, while cancer incidence represents an increase in risk of developing cancer over time, again based on the cumulative dose of radiation. Both types of effects exemplify how even small amounts of exposure can carry long-term risks that may not become apparent until much later.

In contrast, deterministic effects are those that have a clear threshold and their severity increases with the dose, typically leading to immediate health consequences. Nonstochastic effects generally refer to deterministic effects as well. Acute effects refer to immediate responses to a high dose of radiation over a short period, such as radiation sickness, and are not applicable to hereditary effects or the risk of cancer over time.