EPR tooth dosimetry as a tool for validation of retrospective doses: an end-user perspective

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is co-funding several studies on health effects of radiation in Southern Urals in Russia and on Chernobyl liquidators in Ukraine. Obtaining dose–response relationships is central to all these studies. In order to validate retrospective doses estimated by various methods, Electron paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) tooth dosimetry, considered by many as a gold standard, was attempted. The EPR technique, however, has some limitations. This paper discusses the potential pitfalls of using EPR tooth dosimetry, and some potential solutions.