DATA SHEET on RADIATION EXPOSURE

There are several units used to measure levels of ionizing radiation.
  1. The Roentgen, R is a measure of the exposure dose to an ionizing radiation.
    1 R = 2.58 x 10-4 C/kg (coulombs per kilogram) of dry air at STP (standard temperature and pressure)
    Not used for particle radiation

  2. The radiation absorbed dose.
    1 rad = 0.01 J/kg
    Used for all types of ionizing radiation

  3. The roentgen equivalent man.
    rem = rad x QF (quality factor)
    which adjusts the exposure to account for the biological effect of various types of radiation.

  4. A unit called the dose equivalent is the mSv (millisievert). It is becoming a commonly used unit to measure equivalent absorbed dose.

    The sievert (Sv) is an absorbed dose of 1J/kg (as stipulated by the International Commission on Radiological Protection)

    The units of measurement are mSv (1 mSv = 100 mrem).

Species Lethal Dose
(Sv (sieverts))
Dog 3.50
Guinea Pig 4.00
Hibernating Bat 200.00
Human 2.50-4.50(?)
Mouse 5.50
Monkey 6.00
Pine Tree 8.00-15.00
Rat 7.50
Species Lethal Dose
(Sv (sieverts))
Rabbit 8.00
Chicken 6.00
Sparrow 8.00
Goldfish 23.00
Frog 7.00
Tortoise 15.00
Snail 80-200
Viruses .50-2000
The lethal exposure for humans is not well known due to a lack of data and an understandable unwillingness for individuals to volunteer as prospective subjects for such a study : )

[Home]

Prepared by the YES I Can! Science Team,