Exposure to radiation is primarily measured in which unit?

The unit primarily used to measure exposure to radiation is the roentgen. The roentgen quantifies the amount of ionization produced in air by x-rays or gamma rays, making it particularly relevant in the context of radiation safety and diagnostic imaging. This measurement reflects the potential biological effect of radiation exposure on living tissues, which is vital in dental practices where radiographs are frequently employed.

While other units are related to radiation measurement, they serve different purposes. The curie is a unit of radioactivity that measures the decay of radioactive materials, while the rad quantifies the absorbed dose of radiation in a material, indicating how much energy is absorbed rather than the exposure level. The rem is used to measure the biological effect of radiation in human tissues, factoring in the type and energy of radiation. Thus, while these units are important in the broader context of radiation understanding, the roentgen remains the standard unit for measuring exposure specifically. Understanding this distinction is crucial for dental professionals to ensure they monitor and minimize radiation exposure effectively.