What does dose equivalent represent in radiation measurement?

Dose equivalent represents the biological effect of radiation on human tissue, taking into account the type of radiation and its potential to cause harm. This concept is critical for understanding how different types of radiation can have varying effects on living organisms, even if the physical dose measured in grays is the same.

The dose equivalent is expressed in sieverts (Sv) and is calculated by taking the absorbed dose (measured in grays) and applying a quality factor that reflects the type of radiation involved. For instance, alpha particles have a higher quality factor than beta particles, indicating they are more damaging to biological tissue despite potentially having the same energy.

This corrected measurement accounts for the biological impact of different radiation types on human health, making it an essential aspect of radiation protection and safety regulations. Understanding dose equivalent helps in setting exposure limits that aim to minimize the risk of radiation-related health issues.