ionizing radiations of different LET (ICRP 26, 1977). Currently recommended quality factors vary from 1 (for radiations with LET equal to or less than 3.5 keV/ym) to 20 (for radiations with LET equal to or greater than 175 keV/ym). These values have been selected on the basis of relevant low dose and/or low dose-rate RBE values. They have guided our estimation of a quality factor for the galactic cosmic radiation. Q values are used for assessing radiation health effects for radiation protection purposes, and not to assess the potential health effects of severe accidental high-dose exposures. There may be some health effects caused only by HZE particles and not by other radiations, and here the conventional use of a quality factor does not provide an assessment of potential health risks.
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