|  | Conditions Treatments | Illness

Types of USN Pocket Dosimeters

A dosimeter measures the dosage of harmful substances that might be absorbed by a human being. In many industries, employees are required to work around potentially harmful substances, such as radiation, ultraviolet light, sound and electromagnetic fields. A United States Navy pocket dosimeter, also called a quartz fiber dosimeter, is a device usually worn in a shirt pocket and often shaped like a pen. This device measures the wearer's exposure to harmful substances such as radiation.

  1. Radiation Dosimeter

    • Navy submarines are often powered by nuclear reactors.

      Radiation dosimeters are the most commonly used USN pocket dosimeters. There are a variety of jobs in the Navy that may require some level of exposure to radiation. Nuclear weapons, for instance, emit low-level radiation and are often found on Navy vessels. Navy doctors can be exposed to radiation through the use of X-ray machines.

    Noise Dosimeter

    • The USS Nimitz is one of the largest warships in the world.

      A noise dosimeter measures sound levels. On a United States Navy vessel, airplanes and machinery are often found that produce extreme noise. U.S. Navy supercarriers such as the USS Nimitz often carry squadrons of strike fighters, and these planes must be serviced and maintained. These crewmen are required to wear noise dosimeters to measure the accumulative affect of extreme noise.

    Ultraviolet Dosimeter

    • The ozone layer protects our planet from harmful UV rays.

      Most people are familiar with ultraviolet light or UV rays. Ultraviolet light is most often produced by the sun and is extremely dangerous to human, animal and plant life. The earth's ozone layer blocks from 97 percent to 99 percent of the ultraviolet light. A black light emits UV radiation. Navy scientists working with black lights and UV radiation are required to wear the ultraviolet dosimeter to measure the absorption of ultraviolet light into the skin over extended periods of time.

    Electromagnetic Dosimeter

    • A U.S. Navy scientist working with electromagnetic energy is required to wear the electromagnetic dosimeter. It works to measure the absorption of electromagnetic energy into those humans working in close proximity. An EM field produces photons. Navy scientists working closely with quantum physics will come in contact with this hazard. Also, those working with radio astronomy and laser-guided bombs are exposed to electromagnetic fields and must wear pocket dosimeters.

Illness - Related Articles