Biological dosimetry

Ionising radiation can cause damage to chromosomes (chromosome aberrations) in man. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection acts as a natural laboratory for chromosome analyses. Such analyses have been carried out for dose assessment purposes since 1982.

The term biological dosimetry means the detection and, if possible, the quantification of radiation exposure using biological indicators. Biological dosimetry is an important and independent method in applied radiation protection supplementing physical dosimetry.