Dose Limits for Exposure to Ionizing Radiation

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to dose limits for exposure to ionizing radiation, summarizing important definitions and principles presented in the lecture.

Effective dose (EfD)

A dose calculated using the formula EfD = D x WR x WT, which factors in the type of radiation and the sensitivity of the tissue.

Equivalent dose (EqD)

A dose calculated using the formula EqD = D x WR, which accounts for the biological effect of different types of radiation.

ICRP

International Commission on Radiological Protection, an organization that provides radiation protection guidance and recommendations for dose limits.

NCRP

National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, reviews ICRP recommendations and formulates guidelines for US radiation protection.

UNSCEAR

United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, evaluates ionizing radiation exposure and derives risk assessments.

Stochastic effects

Effects that occur by chance and whose probability increases with each radiation exposure, including cancer and genetic alterations.

Tissue reactions

Biologic somatic effects of radiation that are directly related to the dose received, can exhibit a threshold dose.

ALARA principle

A radiation safety principle ensuring exposure is kept 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable'.

NCRP report No. 116

Outlines Cumulative Effective Dose limits for radiation workers, recommending limits based on age.

Radiation Hormesis

The theory that low doses of radiation may have beneficial effects on health, though not yet proven.