Dosimeters are devices used to measure the dose absorption of external ionizing radiation. Although film dosimeters are still used around the world, there has been a trend towards the use of other dosimeter materials that are less energy dependent and can more accurately assess the radiation dose of a variety of radiation fields. Modern electronic personal dosimeters can provide a continuous reading of the cumulative dose and the current dose rate, and can warn the user with an audible alarm when a specified dose rate or cumulative dose is exceeded. Dosimeters are widely used to protect workers and employees from harmful levels of radiation. They are mandatory in nuclear power plants, and are also used in situations where radiation is unexpected, such as following the Fukushima and Chernobyl radiological release incidents.
Film badges are usually worn on the outside of clothing, around the chest or torso to represent the “whole body” dose. Today, film badges are still used all over the world, by people such as X-ray technicians and nurses, who may be exposed to radiation. However, they are increasingly being replaced by thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD), aluminum oxide-based dosimeters, and electronic personal dosimeters (EPD). A film plate dosimeter is a dosimeter that the person being monitored wears on the surface of the body and records the dose of radiation received. In addition to being used in situations where radiation is expected, dosimeters are also used for measuring vitamin D synthesis. The essential difference between a TLD dosimeter and an OSL dosimeter with respect to the way each dosimeter works is that a TLD dosimeter requires heat to operate, whereas an OSL dosimeter requires only optical stimulation. When you are in a radioactive facility, you should always carry your film plate dosimeter with you and make sure you use it.
For the most accurate test results, it is best to wear the radiation dosimeter badge outside the shirt and in front of the chest. Your laboratory should have specific guidelines for those types of cases or other medical abnormalities that may interfere with the dosimeter. Radiographers, nuclear power plant workers, doctors using radiation therapy, hazardous materials workers, and others in situations involving the handling of radionuclides must often use dosimeters in order to record occupational exposure. Usually, a dosimeter has different tasks and properties, depending on the work a person is doing. Alternative high-k gate dielectric radiation dosimeters, such as hafnium dioxide and aluminum oxides, are also proposed as radiation dosimeters. Dosimeters are essential for measuring and monitoring radiation exposure in many industries.
They provide an accurate record of cumulative dose received and can warn users with an audible alarm when a specified dose rate or cumulative dose is exceeded. Film badges are still widely used all over the world but they are increasingly being replaced by other materials that can more accurately assess radiation dose.
