The NRC is modernizing nrc.gov with an updated design and improved navigation to enhance usability. We are committed to a smooth transition and will work to minimize any disruption. The site may be briefly unavailable at times during launch. Thank you for your patience.
Quality factor
The factor by which the absorbed dose (rad or gray) is to be multiplied to obtain a quantity that expresses, on a common scale for all ionizing radiation, the biological damage (rem or sievert) to an exposed individual. It is used because some types of radiation, such as alpha particles, are more biologically damaging internally than other types.
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, March 09, 2021
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, March 09, 2021