What does the deep dose equivalent measure?

The deep dose equivalent specifically measures the dose of radiation received by a tissue depth of 1 cm, which is significant when evaluating the potential biological effects of external radiation exposure. This measurement is particularly important for assessing the risk of radiation-related health effects, especially in occupational settings where workers may be exposed to high levels of external radiation.

Monitoring the deep dose equivalent at this depth helps determine the radiation exposure that penetrates the skin and reaches critical internal organs and tissues. This standard is part of radiation safety practices designed to protect individuals from harmful effects, as the deeper tissue absorbs radiation differently than surface tissue.

Taking into account the context of the other choices, the first option inaccurately describes the depth at which the dose is measured, focusing instead on 0.3 cm. The third option refers to a broader time frame and does not correspond to a specific measurement relevant to immediate radiation exposure. The fourth option relates to calculating risk from multiple sources of radiation but does not address the specific depth measurement that deep dose equivalent entails.