Millisieverte

Millisieverte is a measurement unit used primarily to quantify low levels of ionizing radiation, particularly in fields such as environmental monitoring, radiology, and radioprotection. It is a subunit of the sievert (Sv), which is the International System of Units (SI) derived unit for evaluating the biological effects of radiation exposure. One millisievert (mSv) equals one-thousandth of a sievert.

The sievert itself is a complex unit that considers not only the absorbed dose of radiation but also the biological impact of different radiation types and energies. Since the effects of radiation exposure are generally low at the millisievert level, this unit is often used for measuring and reporting doses received from natural background radiation, medical imaging procedures, and occupational exposure among radiology personnel.

Understanding dosages in millisieverts is essential for assessing health risks and guiding safety protocols. For example, the average annual background radiation dose from natural sources is approximately 2 to 3 mSv, while a typical chest CT scan may deliver a dose between 5 and 7 mSv. Regulatory agencies set exposure limits for workers and the public, often expressed in millisieverts.

Because the biological effects of radiation are cumulative, records of low-level exposure are important for long-term health monitoring. Overall, the millisievert provides a practical, standardized measure for evaluating and communicating radiation doses at levels relevant to human health and safety.