What is one primary risk associated with exposure to X-ray radiation?

Radiation sickness is a primary risk associated with exposure to X-ray radiation due to the biological effects that high levels of radiation can have on the human body. When an individual is exposed to a significant amount of ionizing radiation, such as that produced by X-rays, it can damage living cells, leading to conditions like nausea, vomiting, or more severe health consequences, depending on the dose and duration of exposure.

X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation, and prolonged or high levels of exposure can overwhelm the body's ability to repair and regenerate its cells, potentially leading to radiation sickness. This risk is particularly relevant in settings where personnel may be exposed to higher doses, such as during medical imaging procedures or industrial radiographic testing.

In contrast, electrical burns, chemical exposure, and thermal burns are associated with other types of hazards that are not primarily related to radiation exposure. Electrical burns result from electric shock, chemical exposure involves reactions with toxic substances, and thermal burns arise from contact with hot surfaces or flames. Thus, when evaluating risks in the context of X-ray radiation exposure specifically, radiation sickness is the leading concern, making it the correct choice.