Levels of Exposure


Discussion

The previous graph (50-500 R) has been compressed by a factor of 10 and is illustrated as the lower portion of the above bar.

If an exposed patient has been transported to a hospital that has intensive support measures available, the LD 50/60 can be estimated at 1000 R of acute total body exposure. This may require bone marrow transplant for survival. Other effects involving the skin, gastrointestinal, circulatory and neurologic systems can be expected.

The dose of 5000 R is typically used in the treatment of cancers. This exposure is localized to one region and is given in divided doses to allow for healing of normal tissues during the intervals. Positioning and various techniques are used to minimize the exposure to normal tissues while maximizing the exposure to the tumor area. Some changes to the surrounding tissues invariably occur over the following years.