The slower cellular recovery after higher-LET irradiations, including neutrons, focuses on the quality of DNA breaks.

Data for many biological end points reviewed here indicate that the responsible lesions are not only more severe but also are often more slowly repaired as the LET of the ionizing radiation is increased. This is reflected in high RBE values for end points assayed at long (in contrast to short) times after irradiation, for example, residual injury in normal tissues and carcinogenesis.