Which organs are considered particularly sensitive and are measured for whole-body dose?

The gonads and blood-forming organs are considered particularly sensitive when assessing whole-body dose because they are critical for reproduction and maintaining overall health. The gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females) are highly sensitive to radiation exposure, as damage to these organs can lead to infertility and genetic mutations in offspring.

Blood-forming organs, which primarily include the bone marrow, play a crucial role in the production of blood cells. Radiation can severely affect their function, potentially leading to conditions such as anemia, increased infection risk, or leukemia due to damage to stem cells within the marrow.

Measuring exposure to these organs is essential for assessing the risk and potential health consequences of radiation exposure, making them vital considerations in radiation safety and protection protocols.