Which unit is commonly used to measure radiation dose?

The Sievert (Sv) is the unit commonly used to measure the biological effects of radiation dose. It quantifies the health effect of low levels of ionizing radiation on the human body. The Sievert takes into account the type of radiation and its impact on different tissues, allowing for a more accurate assessment of potential health risks associated with exposure.

This unit is particularly important in radiation protection contexts, as it helps determine how much radiation a person can safely be exposed to and what precautions should be taken. For example, different types of radiation, such as alpha and beta particles, have varying degrees of biological impact, and the Sievert provides a standardized way to incorporate these differences into the dose measurement.

Other units listed, such as Gray (Gy), are used to measure absorbed doses of radiation but do not factor in the biological effects on different tissues or types of radiation. Thus, while they are important in certain applications, they do not serve the specific purpose of evaluating the potential health risks associated with exposure to radiation like the Sievert does.