Radiation Safety Manual Glossary - (M)

Member of the Public

an individual in a controlled or unrestricted area (who is not a radiation worker). However, an individual is not a member of the public during any period in which the individual receives an occupational dose.

Microcurie (uCi)

a one-millionth of a curie. (1/1,000,000), (0.000001 Ci) (See Curie.)

Millicurie (mCi)

a one-thousandth of a curie. (1/1000th), (0.001 Ci) (See Curie.)

MilliRoentgen (mR)

a sub multiple of the Roentgen equal to one-thousandth (1/1000th) of a Roentgen. (see Roentgen.)

Minor

an individual less than 18 years of age, as pertains to radiation exposure limits, works with radioactive materials (not a member of the general public).

Molecule

a group of atoms held together by chemical forces. A molecule is the smallest unit of a compound that can exist by itself and retain all its chemical properties.

Monitoring

the measurement of radiation levels, concentrations, surface area concentrations or quantities of radioactive material and the use of the results of these measurements to evaluate potential exposures and doses.