We all know that excess radiation is very harmful to our health. Although we are constantly exposed to it daily, like sunlight, some types of radiation are far more damaging to human health than others. That is why a device called a dosimeter helps us know the radiation level in an area.

You must have seen people working in or around radioactive substances always wear a dosimeter. It helps them prevent damage from these radioactive substances by alerting them about the level of danger.

What is a Dosimeter?

A dosimeter is a scientific instrument used to measure ionizing radiation exposure (via alpha or beta particles, neutrons, gamma rays, or x-rays). It is a necessary tool for people who work in situations where they are exposed to radiation.

Dosimeters ensure that a harmful dose of radiation is not received over time. The main goal of a dosimeter is to detect and maintain an occupational amount of radiation as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).

Dosimeters can come in small badges and wrist bands and comprise phosphor crystals in sufficient amounts to trap electrons unregulated by damaging ionizing radiation. They allow the wearer to determine the radioactivity of their present environment and prevent them from falling ill by the warning. These dosimeters are easy to wear and carry around and measure the effect and amount of harmful radiation.

 Key Features of Dosimeters:

 There are various types of dosimeters and detectors, each with limitations and significance. Many factors can influence the quality of a dosimeter’s results. Some key considerations while choosing a dosimeter include:

• Type of radiation: Each variety of radiation interacts with matter differently; this consideration is essential.
• The energy of radiation: A dosimeter’s response varies according to the energy of the radiation and the angles between the source and the dosimeter’s detector
• Fading: sometimes a dosimeter’s signal can be lost or faded, and this can be caused by external factors such as temperature, light, and humidity.
• Direct reading: Sometimes, it is crucial that the dosimeter can give a continuous and correct readout of the cumulative dose and current dose rate and warn the person wearing it when a specified dose rate or a cumulative amount is exceeded.
• Minimum measurable dose: You can measure the minimum amount with a specified confidence level.
• Ruggedness and ease of wear: Each dosimeter differs in its ability to withstand severe environmental conditions. Some dosimeters are heavy for a given purpose, and some are smaller, lighter, and more portable.

Why is it important to use dosimeters?

Radiation is highly harmful to human bodies and can be deadly when people are exposed to high doses of radiation for longer. Dosimeters are scientific devices that inform and alert people about radiation levels, i.e., when radiation levels are too high, they can evacuate the exposure area and avoid radiation poisoning.

How does Dosimeter work?

Excessive exposure to X-rays, gamma rays, and specific radioactive particles can cause ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation knocks off electrons in normally stable molecules through its energy. Similarly, this loss of electrons results in more damage if this happens with living tissues.

The unregulated electrons released by ionizing radiation can be seized within phosphor crystals, like those that constitute dosimeters. However, you can capture and measure the unregulated electrons. Therefore, radiation dosimetry functions following this.

When we heat the phosphor crystals that capture the electrons, it releases them in the form of light and helps us to determine the amount of radiation the dosimeter was exposed to.

 How to protect yourself from the adverse effects of radiation?

If you want to safeguard yourself from the dangerous effects of gamma radiation or ionized particles in the air, the three basic principles to remember for radiation protection are time, distance, and shielding.

Our respiratory organs are usually the first to get exposed. Gas masks, goggles, and gloves can protect you from radiation.

 Maintain a safe distance:

Get to a safe place immediately and discard everything you’re wearing, followed by a shower to reduce exposure time. A shorter exposure time is directly proportional to safety. Always try to maintain a safe distance from the radiation source.

Use appropriate shielding:

Radiation shielding is also essential when taking shelter from radiation exposure. It is always helpful to have bunkers, basements, etc., lined with materials that prevent hazardous, radioactive elements from minimizing the effects of radiation.

Reduce Time in Radioactive Areas

Being exposed to radiation will be inevitable due to your field of work. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce your exposure time. You should be prepared for what you must do and how to do it before entering a radioactive environment. Moreover, conducting work outside the radioactive area will make your work more efficient and safer.

 Takeaways

When working in an area where radiation exposure is practically inevitable, you must take the necessary precautions to safeguard yourself from the harmful effects of radiation. The best way to protect yourself is to know about the impact of radiation, how much your body absorbs radiation, and its safety precautions. A radiation dosimeter is the very device that will help you determine how much radiation your body has been exposed to.

 Your safety is our motto. So, to get radiation detection, you can contact S.E. International to gain more knowledge about radiation dosimeters.