Which unit is used to measure radiation dose?

The choice of the Sievert (Sv) as the unit for measuring radiation dose is appropriate because it accounts for both the absorbed dose of radiation as well as the biological effects of that radiation on human tissue. The Sievert takes into consideration the type of radiation and its varying impact on different tissues, making it a more comprehensive measure of potential health risks associated with radiation exposure.

The Sievert is used primarily in radiation protection and dosimetry, allowing professionals to evaluate the effective dose received by individuals in various environments, such as medical settings or nuclear facilities. This unit helps to quantify the risk of long-term health effects, such as cancer, which may arise from exposure to ionizing radiation.

While other units like Gray (Gy), Rad (Rd), and Rem (R) are also related to radiation measurement, they do not fully encompass the biological effectiveness of different types of radiation in the same way the Sievert does. The Gray is a measure of absorbed dose, and while it is critical for assessing the energy deposited in tissue, it does not factor in the type of radiation. The Rad and Rem are older units that have largely been replaced or are used in more specific contexts, with the Rem being somewhat analogous to the Sievert but traditionally considered less