Film badges are used to measure occupational exposure. Which statement is true?

• A. They are read in RAD
• B. They are read in REM and worn at the standard monitoring location on the body
• C. They are read in SIEVERT
• D. They are read in GRAY and worn on the hands

Answer: (B)

Film badges measure occupational exposure as dose equivalent, historically expressed in rem. They are worn at the standard monitoring location on the body, typically at chest or collar level outside the protective apron, so the reading represents the whole-body exposure workers would receive under normal tasks. This reflects the biological effect of the radiation rather than just the energy deposited. The other units mentioned correspond to absorbed dose (rad, gray) or the SI unit of dose equivalent (sievert) and aren’t the traditional way film badges are read. For extremities like the hands, separate ring dosimeters are used when needed.