ABSTRACT
The ability to accurately quantify radiation and its potential health effects remains the driver for ensuring its safe and secure use of nuclear technologies. The consequences of radiation exposure have led to the development of the scientific field of radiation dosimetry. Radiation dosimetry addresses how ionizing radiation interacts with matter and the effects of energy deposited. Ionizing radiation is characterized by the ability to excite and ionize interacting atoms in matter. Damage caused by ionizing radiation is the damage that could occur by the incident wave or particle breaking up a molecule. In the context of radiation dosimetry, the target molecule of primary interest is deoxyribonucleic acid in exposed organs or tissues. Radiation effects can be classified as deterministic or stochastic. The philosophy for dose regulation and radiation protection has revolved around the principle of “As Low as Reasonably Achievable”. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
