Dose (radiation)

Dose (Radiation)

The dose in the context of radiation refers to the amount of energy absorbed by an object or person exposed to radiation. It is a crucial concept in the fields of radiology, radiation therapy, nuclear technology, and radiation protection. The unit of measurement for radiation dose is the sievert (Sv) in the International System of Units (SI), and the rem in the United States customary units.

Types of Radiation Dose

There are several types of radiation dose, including:

• Absorbed dose: This is the amount of radiation energy absorbed by the material or tissues. It is measured in gray (Gy).

• Equivalent dose: This is a measure of the biological effect of radiation on human tissues. It is calculated by multiplying the absorbed dose by a radiation weighting factor that varies with the type and energy of radiation. It is measured in sieverts (Sv).

• Effective dose: This is a calculated quantity that takes into account the varying sensitivity of different organs and tissues to radiation. It is also measured in sieverts (Sv).

Measurement of Radiation Dose

Radiation dose is measured using a variety of devices, including dosimeters, ionization chambers, and Geiger-Mueller counters. These devices detect and measure the ionizing radiation, providing a reading of the dose received.

Radiation Dose and Health Effects

The health effects of radiation dose depend on the type, duration, and intensity of the radiation, as well as the part of the body exposed. Acute exposure to high doses of radiation can cause radiation sickness, while long-term exposure to lower doses can increase the risk of cancer. The linear no-threshold model is often used to estimate the risk of cancer due to low-dose radiation exposure.

See Also

• Radiation poisoning
• Radiation protection
• Radiation therapy
• Radiation dose reconstruction