Advances in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) as a retrospective dosimetry tool using human teeth

Following a radiological event, such as a nuclear accident or a radiological terror attack, estimation of the radiation dose to which first responders and the public were exposed is critical. Radiation dose serves as a guideline for mass triage and helps decide whether to suggest medical treatment or not. In most scenarios few people, if any, will be wearing standard dosimeters; therefore, there is a need for the retrospective estimation of the radiation dose. Nowadays, there are various techniques for retrospective personal dosimetry based on biological markers (biodosimetry), but they are complex, expensive, require a long time for sample preparation and measurement, involve an invasive procedure, and are usually performed far from the scene. Thus, there is a need to develop a method for retrospective biodosimetry which will be fast, inexpensive, reliable, non-invasive and portable