Define “health physics.”

The term "health physics" refers to the science focused on protecting humans and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. This discipline encompasses various aspects, including radiation safety, radiation protection standards, exposure limits, and the assessment of radiation hazards. It prioritizes the assessment and management of radiation doses to ensure that they remain within safe limits to prevent adverse health effects, such as cancer or radiation sickness, for individuals who work with or around radioactive materials, as well as the general public and the surrounding environment.

Understanding health physics is crucial for anyone involved in fields like industrial radiography, medical radiography, nuclear power, or any application where radiation is encountered. The necessity to ensure safety and minimize risk underscores the importance of this discipline in a variety of settings.