What does the committed dose equivalent (CDE) measure?

The committed dose equivalent (CDE) measures the dose delivered to specific organs or tissues as a result of radioactive material that has been ingested or inhaled, and it reflects the potential exposure over a defined period, typically a 50-year timeframe. This measurement is crucial in assessing the long-term health risks associated with internal contamination since it takes into account the biological effects of the radioactive isotopes that accumulate in the body over time.

By evaluating the dose for specific organs rather than the entire body or a single day, the CDE provides a more accurate representation of the potential impact on health, particularly for those organs that may be more sensitive to radiation exposure. This targeted approach helps in radiation protection practices and ensuring appropriate safety measures are taken for individuals exposed to radioactive substances.

Focusing solely on the whole body dose, daily exposures, or only external radiation sources would not adequately capture the risks associated with internal contamination by radioactive materials, which is why the specific focus on organ dose over the 50-year commitment period is critical in the context of radiation safety.