What unit is used to measure radiation dose?

The Sievert (Sv) is the appropriate unit for measuring the biological effect of radiation, making it an important metric in radiation safety practices. It accounts not only for the amount of energy absorbed from radiation but also considers the impact this energy has on human health. This is particularly crucial when assessing the potential risks associated with different types of radiation, as various radiation forms can have different biological effects.

While the Rad measures the energy absorbed per unit mass of tissue, it does not factor in the biological effectiveness of that radiation. Similarly, the Curie (Ci) quantifies radioactive decay and does not relate directly to dose or biological impact. The Rem is another traditional unit used to assess radiation dose in terms of its effect on human tissue; however, the Sievert is now the standard unit that encompasses both the absorbed dose and the quality of the radiation, making it the favored choice in modern radiation safety and health physics.