Dosymetria

Dosimetry is the science and practice of measuring and assessing the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation in a medium. This medium can be biological tissue, air, or other materials. The primary goal of dosimetry is to quantify the amount of radiation energy deposited, as this energy is directly related to the potential for biological damage or the effectiveness of radiation in a particular application.

There are two main types of dosimetry: external and internal. External dosimetry deals with radiation that comes from a source outside the body, such as X-ray machines or radioactive materials handled at a distance. Internal dosimetry focuses on radiation originating from radioactive substances that have been taken into the body, through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption.

The units used in dosimetry are crucial for standardization and comparison. The Gray (Gy) is the SI unit for absorbed dose, representing one joule of energy absorbed per kilogram of material. Another important unit is the Sievert (Sv), which measures equivalent dose, taking into account the biological effectiveness of different types of radiation. Dosimeters are devices used to measure radiation doses. These can range from personal dosimeters worn by individuals to specialized instruments used in research and medical settings. Accurate dosimetry is fundamental for radiation protection, ensuring that occupational and public exposure levels remain within safe limits, and for the effective application of radiation in fields like medicine and industry.