Quartz fiber dosimeters are made in different ranges. Peace-time occupational exposure ranges usually measure up to 500 mrem (5 mSv), which exceeds the normal US yearly dose of 360 mrem (3.6 mSv). War-time fallout meters measure up to 500 rem (5 Sv), roughly the lethal dose. The quartz fiber device is an older dosimeter design. It suffers from these disadvantages:[3] - Low accuracy: Because of the analog mechanical design, accuracy is around 15%, less than other dosimeters.
- Reading errors: Since it can only be read manually it is prone to human reading errors.
- Small dynamic range: The range of the device is limited by the charge on the electrode. Once the charge is gone the device stops recording exposure. So unexpected large radiation doses can quickly saturate devices designed to monitor the more usual low level exposures.
Recognized effects of acute radiation exposure are described in the article on radiation poisoning. The exact units of measurement vary, but light radiation sickness begins at about 50–100 rad (0.5–1 gray (Gy), 500–1000 mSv, 50–100 rem, 50,000–100,000 mrem).
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