A film badge or TLD records what type of information?

A film badge or thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) serves a critical purpose in radiation safety by providing a record of total dose history for the period it is worn. These devices are designed to accumulate the radiation dose received over time, allowing for the assessment of an individual's exposure levels to ionizing radiation during their work or in certain environments.

When worn correctly, a film badge or TLD measures cumulative exposure and can provide an accurate representation of the radiation dose that a person has received throughout the duration the device is active. This total dose history is invaluable in monitoring compliance with safety standards and ensuring health risks from exposure are managed within acceptable limits. The readings from these dosimetry devices are used to track long-term exposure and evaluate health safety practices in various settings, such as medical facilities and nuclear plants.

While immediate exposure levels, monthly averages, and environmental rates are important considerations in radiation safety, they are not functions of what film badges or TLDs specifically record. Film badges/TLDs are not designed to provide real-time readings or averages; instead, they focus on the cumulative dose experienced by the wearer over the entire duration that they are in use.