Annosmittarit

Annosmittarit (dose meters) are devices used to measure and monitor exposure to ionizing radiation. They quantify the radiation dose received by workers, patients, or objects and help ensure that exposure remains within safety limits. The primary quantity recorded is the effective dose, expressed in millisieverts (mSv); depending on context, other quantities such as absorbed dose or dose equivalent may also be used.

Common types include film dosimeters (film badges) that darken with radiation, thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) that store energy and release light when heated, optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSL) that emit light upon stimulation, electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) that provide real-time readouts, and pocket dosimeters for immediate measurements. Each type has specific calibration, readout frequency, and suitability for different work environments.

They are used in medical imaging departments, radiotherapy facilities, nuclear power plants, industrial radiography, research laboratories, and aerospace or aviation contexts. Dosimeters are typically worn on the torso or near the collarbone and are replaced or read out according to a defined schedule. Data is compiled into an individual’s dose history for regulatory reporting and safety assessment.

Regulation and standards: Dosimetry services are provided by accredited laboratories or institutions. Devices are calibrated to national standards and records are maintained by employers and regulatory authorities. Readouts inform compliance with occupational dose limits, which according to international guidelines are typically around 20 mSv per year, averaged over five years, with no more than 50 mSv in any single year.