Millirem definitions
| Word backwards | merillim |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | noun |
| Syllabic division | mil·li·rem |
| Plural | The plural of millirem is millirems. |
| Total letters | 8 |
| Vogais (2) | i,e |
| Consonants (3) | m,l,r |
What is a Millirem?
Definition and Measurement
A millirem is a unit of measurement used to quantify the amount of radiation absorbed by living tissue. It is commonly used to assess doses of ionizing radiation from medical procedures, environmental sources, and occupational exposure. One millirem is equal to one thousandth of a rem, which stands for Roentgen Equivalent Man, a unit used to measure the biological effect of radiation on humans.
Uses of Millirems
Millirems are used to evaluate the potential health risks associated with exposure to radiation. In the medical field, they help healthcare providers determine appropriate doses for diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans. They also play a crucial role in assessing the safety of nuclear power plants, industrial processes involving radioactive materials, and other sources of radiation.
Conversion and Comparison
To put millirems into perspective, an average person in the United States is exposed to around 620 millirems of radiation annually from various natural sources like cosmic rays and radon gas. By comparison, a typical dental X-ray may deliver a dose of about 2-4 millirems, while a CT scan can range from 10-1,000 millirems depending on the specific procedure.
Importance and Awareness
Understanding millirems is essential for maintaining public safety and promoting awareness of radiation risks. By monitoring and limiting exposure to ionizing radiation, individuals can help reduce the potential consequences of overexposure, such as an increased risk of cancer and other health problems. Government agencies and regulatory bodies often set limits on allowable doses of radiation to protect both workers and the general population.
Overall, millirems serve as a valuable tool in assessing and managing the impact of radiation on human health. By staying informed about exposure levels and following safety guidelines, individuals can minimize the potential risks associated with ionizing radiation.
Millirem Examples
- The radiation exposure was measured in millirem.
- After the nuclear accident, residents were advised to limit their exposure to under 100 millirem per year.
- Medical professionals use millirem to measure radiation doses during treatments.
- Airline crews are exposed to low levels of radiation, typically around 3 millirem per year.
- The average person receives around 360 millirem of radiation each year from natural sources.
- Workers at nuclear power plants are monitored for their millirem exposure levels.
- Radiation therapy patients may receive doses measured in millirem to treat cancer.
- Dental x-rays typically result in a very low dose of around 0.1 millirem per procedure.
- Radiology technicians wear dosimeters to track their millirem exposure levels on the job.
- Radiation safety guidelines aim to keep exposure levels below certain millirem thresholds.