Understanding Sievert (Sv) - A Unit of Measurement for Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Sievert (symbol: Sv) is a unit of measurement used to express the biological effects of ionizing radiation. It takes into account both the energy of the radiation and the type of radiation. The sievert is defined as the absorbed dose in gray (Gy) multiplied by a weighting factor that depends on the type of radiation.

The weighting factors are based on the relative biological effectiveness of different types of radiation, which reflects the ability of the radiation to cause damage to living tissue. For example, alpha particles have a high relative biological effectiveness, while gamma rays have a low relative biological effectiveness.

The sievert is used to measure the exposure of individuals to ionizing radiation, such as from medical imaging procedures or nuclear accidents. It is also used to assess the risk of cancer and other health effects associated with exposure to ionizing radiation.