What kind of damage is mainly caused by high doses of radiation?

High doses of radiation primarily lead to Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), which is a serious and immediate health effect resulting from exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation over a short period. ARS is characterized by a range of symptoms that occur relatively quickly after exposure, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin burns, and potential damage to the bone marrow and other tissues. This condition arises because high doses overwhelm the body's ability to repair the damage and severely disrupt cellular function.

The severity of ARS depends on the radiation dose received and the duration of exposure. Organ failure can occur as a result of ARS but is not the primary damage type; ARS itself encompasses the acute effects experienced soon after exposure. Minor skin irritation is associated with lower doses and is not representative of high-dose exposure consequences. Long-term genetic mutation, while a potential risk of radiation, typically results from lower levels of exposure over time rather than an immediate effect.

Thus, the most accurate answer regarding the damage caused predominantly by high doses of radiation is Acute Radiation Syndrome.