Glossary Terms

Exposure to a substance over a long period of time, possibly resulting in adverse health effects.

Free from dirt of pollution (Not sterile).

Gray, hard, magnetic, and somewhat malleable metal. Cobalt is relatively rare and generally obtained as a byproduct of other metals, such as copper. Its most common radioisotope, cobalt-60 (Co-60), is used in radiography and medical applications. Cobalt-60 emits beta particles and gamma rays during radioactive decay.

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A woman who is also a radiation worker and has voluntarily informed her employer, in writing, of her pregnancy and the estimated date of conception.

External whole body exposure at a tissue depth of 1 cm, density 1,000 mg/cm^2.

Radiation absorbed by person’s body.

Lifetime history of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. Generally recorded in NRC Form-4.

A small portable instrument (such as a film badge, thermoluminescent dosimeter [TLD], or pocket dosimeter) for measuring and recording the total accumulated dose of ionizing radiation a person receives.

The theory and application of the principles and techniques involved in measuring and recording doses of ionizing radiation.