Answer to Question #1542 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Doses and Dose Calculations — Basic dose information, dose quantities, units

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Are there any charts that show the relationship between energy (in keV or Mev) and absorbed dose by organ?

No, the relationship cannot be expressed so simply. I don't know if you are referring to an external or internal source of radiation. For external sources, we need to know the geometry of the source, the complete energy spectrum of the source (including possible filtration of low-energy contributions), and the duration of the exposure before we can begin to calculate individual organ doses. For internal sources, we need to know the characteristics of the compound to which the radionuclide was attached to evaluate the kinetics of the compound within each important organ, and then we can use models to calculate the radiation dose per unit activity administered.

Michael G. Stabin, PhD, CHP

Answer posted on January 14, 2002. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.