Deutsch: Absorbierte Dosis / Español: Dosis Absorbida / Português: Dose Absorvida / Français: Dose Absorbée / Italiano: Dose Assorbita /

An Absorbed Dose is In exposure assessment, the amount of a substance that penetrates an exposed organism 's Absorption barriers (e.g.

skin, lung tissue, gastrointestinal tract) through physical or biological processes. The term is synonymous with internal dose.

Description

Absorbed dose in the environment refers to the amount of radiation energy absorbed by a medium from ionizing radiation. This is an important concept in the field of environmental health and radiation protection, as it helps in determining the potential health risks associated with exposure to radiation sources in the environment. The absorbed dose is usually measured in units of gray (Gy) or sievert (Sv), with one gray equal to one joule of energy absorbed per kilogram of the medium.

Exposure to ionizing radiation can occur through various sources in the environment, such as natural radioactive elements in soil, water, and air, as well as man-made sources like nuclear power plants and medical procedures. The absorbed dose depends on factors such as the type of radiation, the energy of the radiation, the duration of exposure, and the type of medium being irradiated.

In order to assess the potential health risks of radiation exposure in the environment, experts use dosimetry techniques to measure the absorbed dose in various environmental media, such as air, water, and soil. This information helps in determining the appropriate safety measures and regulations to limit exposure and protect human health and the environment. It is essential to monitor and control absorbed doses in the environment to prevent adverse health effects, such as radiation sickness, cancer, genetic mutations, and other long-term consequences.

Overall, understanding absorbed dose in the environment is crucial for evaluating the potential risks of radiation exposure and implementing effective strategies to minimize these risks and ensure the safety of individuals and ecosystems. By monitoring and regulating absorbed doses in the environment, we can work towards a healthier and safer environment for present and future generations.

Areas of Application

• Radiation monitoring in nuclear facilities: Measurement of the amount of radiation energy deposited per unit mass of environmental samples.
• Health impact assessments: Determining the potential effects of absorbed radiation doses on plant and animal populations.
• Protection of wildlife: Monitoring absorbed doses in wildlife species to limit exposure to ionizing radiation.
• Assessment of contamination levels: Measuring absorbed doses in soil and water to evaluate the extent of contamination from radioactive substances.
• Emergency response planning: Estimating absorbed doses in the environment to develop strategies for responding to radiological incidents.

Well-Known Examples

• Assessing radiation exposure in soil: Measurement of the amount of radiation absorbed by soil over a specific period of time.
• Monitoring radiation levels in water bodies: Determining the absorbed dose of radiation in water sources due to natural or man-made sources.
• Calculating the impact of radioactive contamination on flora and fauna: Estimating the absorbed dose received by plants and animals from radioactive elements in the environment.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of radiation shielding in nuclear facilities: Measuring the absorbed dose of radiation inside and outside of shielding materials to ensure worker safety.

Treatment and Risks

• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy radiation to treat cancer cells either by killing them or stopping their growth.
• Accidental exposure: Unplanned exposure to radiation that can result in harmful health effects.
• Radiation monitoring: Regularly measuring levels of radiation in the environment to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
• Radioprotection measures: Implementing strategies to reduce the absorption of harmful radiation into living organisms and ecosystems.
• Contamination cleanup: Removing or treating radioactive materials present in the environment to reduce absorbed dose levels.

Similar Terms

• Absorbed Energy: The amount of energy absorbed by a material or organism within a given timeframe.
• Dosimetry: The measurement and assessment of radiation doses in the environment.
• Radiation Exposure: The amount of radiation absorbed by a material or organism, potentially causing harm.

Examples of Sentences

• An individual may receive a Absorbed Dose of radiation through exposure to contaminated soil.
• Scientists measured the Absorbed Doses of various environmental samples to assess the risk to nearby populations.
• The study aimed to determine the effects of long-term Absorbed Dose exposure on marine organisms.
• The researchers calculated the Absorbed Dose's impact on different ecosystems within the region.

Weblinks

• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ionizing-radiation-environmental-health-criteria (WHO fact sheet on ionizing radiation in the environment)
• https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-environment (EPA's information on radiation in the environment)
• https://www.iaea.org/topics/radiation-environment (IAEA's resources on radiation in the environment)
• https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/environment (US Department of Energy's environmental stewardship initiatives)

Summary

In the context of the environment, absorbed dose refers to the amount of energy deposited in a specific tissue or organ as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. This dose is typically measured in grays (Gy) or sieverts (Sv), with one gray equivalent to one joule per kilogram of tissue. Absorbed dose is an important factor to consider when assessing the potential health risks associated with exposure to radiation in the environment, as high doses can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of developing cancer or other health issues.

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