Uncertainties in Dose Estimation Under Emergency Conditions and ESR Dosimetry with Human Teeth

There are uncertainties in estimating dose-effect relationships under emergency conditions. There may be a number of other noxious effects such as infection, various toxic substances and non-ionising radiations, in addition to radiological uncertainties, and also mental aspects. Therefore, the possibility of the combined effects of all direct factors and the indirect factors must be considered in interpreting the effects of a radiation accident, instead of ascribing all the effects solely to ionising radiation. The exact dose to a particular person is difficult to estimate, but is is also necessary to have some direct measurement of individual dose in order to confirm dose-effect relationships due to radiation. As a method of confirming the individual dose under emergency conditions, ESR dosimetry of tooth enamel has been carried out, not only to estimate the dose, but also to estimate the incident angle of radiation.