Table 2 Effects of radiation dose on radiation-induced teratogenesis172

From: Understanding how space travel affects the female reproductive system to the Moon and beyond

Gestational age

Effects

Estimated threshold dose*

Before implantation

(0–2 weeks after fertilization)

Death of embryo or no consequences

“All or none”

50–100 mGy

Organogenesis

(2–8 weeks fertilization)

Congenital anomalies

(skeleton, eyes, genitals)

Growth restriction

200 mGy

200–250 mGy

8–15 weeks

Severe intellectual disability (high risk)†

Intellectual deficit

Microcephaly

60–310 mGy

25 IQ point loss per 1000 mGy

200 mGy

16–25 weeks

Severe intellectual disability (low risk)

250–280 mGy

  1. *Data based on results of animal studies, epidemiologic studies of survivors of the atomic bombings in Japan, and studies of groups exposed to radiation for medical reasons (e.g. radiation therapy for carcinoma of the uterus).
  2. †This is the period for rapid neuronal development and migration.
  3. Reprinted with permission from ref. 172.
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