What does the term 'effective dose' refer to in radiation exposure?

The term 'effective dose' is a key concept in radiation protection that quantifies the overall risk of radiation exposure to human health. It specifically refers to the whole body dose because it considers not only the amount of radiation absorbed by different tissues and organs but also the varying sensitivity of those tissues to radiation-induced harm.

Effective dose is measured in sieverts (Sv) and takes into account the type of radiation and the biological effect it may have on the body. For instance, some organs are more susceptible to the effects of radiation than others, and effective dose weighs these differences to assess the potential risk of long-term effects, such as cancer.

By focusing on the body as an integrated system and evaluating how different exposures impact health risk overall, effective dose provides a more comprehensive understanding than merely tallying the total or local doses received. This makes it a crucial measure in the field of medical dosimetry and radiation safety.