ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

A film badge/TLD is used to record what type of data?

1. Immediate dose feedback

2. Environmental radiation levels

3. Total dose history for the period worn

4. Daily exposure rates

The correct answer is: Total dose history for the period worn

A film badge or thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) is designed to measure and record the total amount of ionizing radiation exposure received by an individual over a specific period of time. When worn as part of personal protective equipment, it accumulates exposure, allowing for an accurate assessment of the cumulative dose a person has received. These devices undergo a chemical reaction when exposed to radiation, leading to a recordable change that can be analyzed to determine the total dose of radiation exposure. This is particularly important in maintaining safety protocols for individuals working in environments where radiation is present, as it provides a historical record of dose levels over time, facilitating monitoring for compliance with safety limits. While some options mention immediate feedback or current radiation levels, those functions are not the purpose of a film badge or TLD. Instead, the focus on total dose history makes this the correct answer, as it encapsulates the primary function of these monitoring devices in tracking cumulative exposure to radiation.