What is the SI unit of effective dose?

The SI unit of effective dose is the Sievert. Effective dose is a measure used in radiation protection to account for the risk of exposure to different types of ionizing radiation and the varying biological effects they may have on human tissues. The Sievert standardizes the measurement of biological risk by incorporating factors that reflect the differing degrees of damage caused by different types of radiation, making it a more relevant measure for assessing health impact than simply measuring radiation exposure in terms of energy absorbed.

Gray, on the other hand, is the unit measuring the absorbed dose of radiation, indicating the amount of energy deposited in a material but not accounting for its biological impact. Becquerel is the unit that measures radioactivity, specifically the rate at which a sample of radioactive material decays. Air Kerma is used to measure the kinetic energy released per unit mass of air, not specifically related to effective biological risk.

By using the Sievert, health professionals can better understand and manage the potential risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation, ensuring that protective measures are appropriately calibrated to the specific circumstances of exposure.