Low dose

Definition

Low dose refers to a small amount of ionizing radiation exposure, typically measured in millisieverts (mSv). It is often used in medical imaging and treatment to minimize harmful biological effects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Low doses of ionizing radiation are commonly used in medical diagnostics like X-rays and CT scans.
2. The threshold for 'low dose' varies but generally falls under 100 mSv per year for non-occupational exposure.
3. Biological effects of low doses can include DNA damage and increased risk of cancer, though these risks are usually minimal.
4. Radiation protection principles such as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) are applied to limit low dose exposures.
5. Regulatory bodies like the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) provide guidelines for safe low dose limits.

Review Questions

• What is considered a low dose of ionizing radiation?
• How does the ALARA principle apply to low dose exposures?
• What are some potential biological effects of low doses of ionizing radiation?

Related terms

Ionizing Radiation:

Radiation with enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions.

Millisievert (mSv): A unit of effective dose of ionizing radiation, representing one-thousandth of a sievert.

ALARA: $\text{A safety principle applied to minimize radiation exposure: As Low As Reasonably Achievable}$.