What measurement is used to quantify the dose of radiation absorbed by people?

The measurement used to quantify the dose of radiation absorbed by people is the REM (Roentgen Equivalent Man). The REM is a unit that takes into account not just the amount of radiation energy absorbed but also the biological effects of that radiation on human tissue. Essentially, it serves as a measure of the health impact of ionizing radiation.

The unit REM factors in the type of radiation (alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, etc.) and its relative biological effectiveness, making it particularly useful for assessing radiation exposure risks to humans.

In the context of radiation protection and health physics, REM is commonly used alongside other measurements, like the Gray and Sievert. The Grey is primarily a measure of the absorbed dose of radiation, while the Sievert addresses the biological effects of radiation in a similar fashion to the REM but is often viewed as more modern. However, the REM remains a key unit when discussing radiation exposure specifically related to human health.