What unit is used to measure radiation in man?

The unit used to measure radiation in humans is the Sievert. The Sievert is specifically designed to quantify the biological effects of ionizing radiation on human tissues. It incorporates the impact of different types of radiation on the body, making it a suitable measure for assessing risk in terms of potential health effects.

The Sievert accounts for both the dose of radiation absorbed and the type of radiation, thus providing a more comprehensive understanding of how radiation affects living organisms, particularly in terms of cancer risk and other radiation-induced health issues. This enables healthcare professionals to compare various radiation exposure scenarios and apply safety standards effectively.

While other units like Gray and Rad measure absorbed dose, they do not take into consideration the biological impact of that radiation on human tissue, which is crucial for patient care and safety. The Rem is an older term that has partly been replaced by the Sievert in many contexts, but it is still recognized and used in some areas. However, the Sievert is the most current and widely used unit for measuring radiation exposure in relation to health effects.