One rem of any type of radiation has the same total damaging effect. Specific types of dose equivalents are defined as follows. The organs and weighting factors are selected on the basis of risk to the entire body. Dose Determination Determining dose is an involved process in which complex mathematical equations based on several factors, including the type of radiation, the rate of exposure, weather conditions, and typical diet, are used. Basically, radioactive decay, or activity, generates radiant energy.
People absorb some of the energy to which they are exposed.
The effect of this absorbed energy is responsible for an individual's dose. Whether radiation is natural or human-made, it has the same effect on people. Many terms are used to report dose. Two types of DCFs exist. This information is intended to help the reader become familiar with a range of doses that various individuals may receive.