In yesterday’s CUBE ChatShaala @Abhi0703 discussed about biodosimetry and electromagnetic spectrum in which is part his research ropic at BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre).
For context :
Introduction: What Is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
Have you ever thought about how you can listen to the radio, see sunlight, or even use a microwave? All of these are made possible by waves of energy called electromagnetic (EM) waves. These waves make up what scientists call the electromagnetic spectrum—a huge range of different types of radiation, from very low-energy radio waves to super-high-energy gamma rays.
The visible light we see is only a tiny slice of this vast spectrum. Other types—like X-rays, microwaves, UV rays, and gamma rays—are invisible to our eyes but play vital roles in communication, medicine, cooking, and even in space exploration!
Radiation and the Human Body: What Is Biodosimetry?
While some electromagnetic waves are harmless (like visible light or radio waves), high-energy radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays can be harmful in large doses. This is where biodosimetry comes in.
Biodosimetry is a science that helps estimate how much radiation exposure a person has received, especially during accidents or nuclear events. Instead of using machines, it looks at biological changes in our body—like DNA damage in blood cells—to understand the radiation dose. This is very important for medical response in radiation emergencies.
The Radiation Scale: Measuring the Invisible
We measure radiation using a scale of energy—usually in units like sieverts (Sv) or grays (Gy). Here’s a rough idea of what different doses mean:
- 0.01 mSv: A dental X-ray – very low risk
- 1-2 mSv/year: Natural background radiation we all receive
- 100 mSv: Potential small increase in cancer risk
- 4000–5000 mSv (4–5 Sv): Potentially fatal dose if received at once
Understanding the scale helps scientists and doctors make decisions about safety, treatment, and risk.
Connecting It All: Why This Matters
When we combine the concept of the electromagnetic spectrum with radiation safety and biodosimetry, we get a powerful toolkit for:
- Detecting radiation in our environment
- Responding to nuclear accidents or radiation leaks
- Protecting healthcare workers and patients during medical scans
- Monitoring astronauts exposed to cosmic rays in space
Even students can experiment and explore low-risk parts of the spectrum—like light, infrared,
Reference