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	Radiation Units.

	The basic unit for measuring radiation is the rad (radiation absorbed dose). The rad is defined as the deposition of 0.01 joule of energy per kilogram (kg) of tissue. To quantify the amount of damage that is suspected from a radiation exposure, rads are converted into rems (which at one time stood for Roentgen Equivalent Man). The rem is adjusted to reflect the type of radiation absorbed and the likelihood of damage. In most cases, the rad and rem will be equivalent (1 rem = 1 rad = 1,000 millirem = 1,000 millirad).

	For example, a standard x-ray machine was used to deliver 100 rads of radiation and to compare the biological endpoint with other types of radiation. It was found that 100 rads of gamma and beta radiation produced the same effect as 100 rads of x-rays. However, it was found only 20 rads of neutrons and 5 rads of alpha were found to produce the same effect as 100 rads of x-ray. Therefore, neutron and alpha radiations were more potent and required fewer rads to produce the same effect.