microsieverts
A microsievert is a unit of measurement used to quantify radiation exposure. It is one-millionth of a sievert, which is the standard unit for measuring the biological effects of ionizing radiation on human health. The microsievert helps scientists and health professionals assess the potential risks associated with radiation from sources like medical imaging, natural background radiation, and nuclear power.
For context, a typical chest X-ray exposes a person to about 100 microsieverts. This level of exposure is considered low and is generally not harmful. Understanding microsieverts is essential for evaluating safety standards in environments where radiation is present, such as hospitals and nuclear facilities.