Abstract

A recent report of the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) proposes various changes in the formulation of the quality factor (Q) in radiation protection. The recommendations are considered to be generally consistent with microdosimetric considerations and radiobiological findings. The principal inconsistency, which is based on technical limitations, relates Q to lineal energy in 1 micrometre sites rather than in more appropriate much smaller ones. However, the practical consequences seem acceptable in view of other, larger, uncertainties in radiation protection.

This content is only available as a PDF.
You do not currently have access to this article.