What is the main function of a dosimeter in radiation safety?

A dosimeter serves the critical role of continuously monitoring a person's radiation exposure over time. It provides a way to track cumulative radiation doses received by an individual, ensuring that exposure levels remain within safe limits set by regulatory agencies. This function is vital in maintaining radiation safety for professionals working in environments where radiation exposure is a possibility, such as medical facilities, research labs, and nuclear plants.

While measuring environmental contamination is important for assessing safety in a workplace, this task is not the primary purpose of a dosimeter. Similarly, detecting only high doses of radiation does not fulfill the overall protective goal of monitoring exposure; rather, dosimeters are designed to register lower doses as well, providing a comprehensive assessment of exposure over time. Lastly, a dosimeter does not play a role in cleaning radiation from the environment; it is strictly a measurement tool, not a remediation device. Thus, the core purpose of a dosimeter is aptly captured in its ability to track an individual’s radiation exposure continuously, ensuring safety throughout their work.