Is genetic harm caused by radiation considered cumulative?

Genetic harm caused by radiation is generally not considered cumulative in the same way that somatic effects (like cancer) are. Cumulative effects refer to the idea that repeated exposures to a harmful agent increase the overall damage or risk. In the case of genetic harm, the damage occurs at the DNA level and can lead to mutations that may be passed to future generations, but the effects of radiation exposure are typically assessed based on the dose received rather than aggregating it over time.

When assessing genetic damage, it is important to recognize that the impact on future generations from genetic mutations is not directly influenced by additional exposures in the same manner as other health outcomes. Each exposure event can cause certain mutations, but they are not additive in a way that leads to more severe genetic harm cumulatively.

In short, genetic harm does not accumulate like some other health effects might, hence the answer indicates that it is not cumulative.