What is the weighting factor assigned to heavy ions in radiation measurements?

The weighting factor assigned to heavy ions in radiation measurements is 10. This factor is part of a system used to assess the biological effect of different types of radiation. Heavy ions, which include particles such as alpha particles and heavier nuclei, have a higher mass and charge compared to other types of radiation like photons or electrons. This leads to a higher level of ionization in the tissues they encounter, resulting in greater biological damage.

The weighting factor reflects this increased potential for damage. A factor of 10 indicates that heavy ions are considered to be ten times more biologically effective than gamma rays or x-rays, which are assigned a weighting factor of 1. This approach helps clinicians and medical physicists to calculate dose equivalents and assess the risks associated with different types of radiation exposure, ensuring that treatments are both effective and safe.