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The Rem used to be used in Health Physics to measure radiation dose, it is an acronym for Rontgen Equivalent Man.(The methodology allows for the different effects of different types of radiation). The unit now used is the Sievert (Sv), 1 Sievert = 100 Rem. This is a large unit, so millisieverts are used for practical personnel radiation measures, so 1 millisievert = 100 millirem.
Recommended radiation levels for nuclear workers are set by the ICRP (International Committee for Radiation Protection). These used to be set at 5 Rem/year (50 milliSv) but now the level is 20 milliSv/year ie 2 Rem/year. The use of Rem and millirem has been discontinued in the nuclear industry in favour of Sieverts and millisieverts.
However as someone with nuclear experience going back to 1958 I find it difficult to think in Sieverts. For example I know that 500 Rem will kill roughly 1/2 the people exposed to it within a month, now I have to change that to 5 Sieverts. Fortunately that level of exposure has only happened once (at Chernobyl).
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Why are rems preferred for measuring health effects of radiation?
REMs (Roentgen Equivalent Man) are preferred for measuring health effects of radiation because they take into account the different biological effects of ionizing radiation on human tissues. REMs provide a more accurate assessment of the potential harm caused by radiation exposure compared to other units such as sieverts or grays, which do not consider the specific impact on human health.
What effects does nuclear radiation have on humans?
Nuclear radiation can damage human cells and DNA, leading to increased risk of cancer, genetic mutations, and radiation sickness. Exposure to high levels of radiation can cause immediate effects such as skin burns, nausea, and even death. Long-term effects can include an increased risk of developing various forms of cancer.
What factors determine the extent of radiation damage?
The factors that determine the extent of radiation damage include the type of radiation, the dose received, the duration of exposure, the sensitivity of the tissues or organs affected, and the body's ability to repair damage. Additionally, factors such as the type of cells in the affected area and individual genetic variations can also influence the extent of radiation damage.
What are the units of radiation doses?
Radiation doses are typically measured in units such as sieverts (Sv) or rems (rem), which quantify the amount of ionizing radiation absorbed by a material or human body. The sievert is the International System of Units (SI) unit for radiation dose, while the rem is the older unit used in the United States.
How long does it take radioactive symptoms to appear?
The timing of radioactive symptoms can vary depending on the level of radiation exposure. In some cases, symptoms can appear within minutes to hours of exposure, while in other cases, symptoms may not present until days or weeks later. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, skin burns, and hair loss. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect radiation exposure.
