The Effect of Radiation on Humans (VCE SSCE Physics): Flashcards

Very low penetration, very high ionising power

Approximately 2 mm of aluminium

5 cm lead or 1 m concrete (97% absorption)

20

Absorbed dose unit: $1 \text{ Gy} = 1 \text{ J} \cdot \text{kg}^{-1}$

Biological effect of ionising radiation (dose equivalent)

Greater than 8.0 Sv

1 mSv per year

20 mSv per year (averaged over 5 years)

8 days; thyroid cancer therapy (beta & gamma emitter)