What constitutes the eye dose equivalent?

The eye dose equivalent is specifically defined as the external exposure measured at a tissue depth of 0.3 cm. This depth is significant because it corresponds to the point where the lens of the eye is located, making it essential for assessing the potential radiation dose that could affect the eye.

Radiation exposure can have varying effects depending on the energy and type of radiation, as well as the area of the body being considered. The choice of 0.3 cm reflects a standardization in measuring doses that have specific biological implications—primarily for shielding and safety assessments of the eye, particularly in medical and radiological procedures.

The other options refer to different depths that are relevant for other tissues or measurements and do not accurately reflect the standard for eye dose equivalent. For example, 1 cm is more relevant for deeper tissue concerns, while 0.007 cm relates to skin dose. Whole body exposure is an entirely different metric, as it encompasses radiation exposure to the entire body rather than focusing specifically on the eye. Each of these depths serves a purpose in radiation protection and monitoring, but for the eye, the depth of 0.3 cm is the recognized standard for evaluating exposure.