Why are children generally more sensitive to radiation effects?

Children are generally more sensitive to the effects of radiation due to their higher mitotic activity. During growth, children's cells divide more rapidly compared to adults. This increased rate of cell division means that there are more opportunities for radiation to cause damage to DNA during the process of replication. When cells are dividing frequently, they are inherently more vulnerable to the cytotoxic effects of radiation that can lead to mutations or cancer.

While the size of their bodies and the thickness of body parts can contribute to varying levels of radiation exposure, it is the increased mitotic activity that plays a critical role in their heightened sensitivity. As a result, children require special consideration when it comes to radiation exposure in medical settings and other situations where they may be exposed to ionizing radiation.