What is the primary purpose of personal dosimetry?

• A. To monitor the total radiation dose of the facility.
• B. To monitor individual radiation exposure levels.
• C. To control the release of radioactive effluents.
• D. To schedule maintenance shutdowns.

Answer: (B)

Personal dosimetry is used to quantify the actual radiation dose that a worker receives. A dosimeter worn by an individual tracks their accumulated exposure over time, ensuring it stays within regulatory limits and supporting safety decisions and medical surveillance. This personal data is essential because it reflects the true dose a person accumulates, which depends on how long they spend in radiation areas, the shielding they use, and the specific tasks they perform. It differs from facility or area monitoring, which measures ambient radiation levels in the environment rather than the dose received by a person. The other functions—controlling releases of radioactive effluents or scheduling maintenance—are separate operational activities, not the main purpose of personal dosimetry.