What does the term "committed" in CEDE refer to?

The term "committed" in the context of CEDE, or Committed Effective Dose Equivalent, specifically refers to the dose received from radioactive material that has been taken into the body. This concept is crucial in radiation protection because it emphasizes the long-term radiation exposure resulting from radionuclides that have been ingested or inhaled.

When radioactive materials enter the body, they can continue to emit radiation and pose a health risk over an extended period, as they may remain in various organs and tissues. The committed dose accounts for these ongoing effects rather than just the immediate dose that a person might receive from external sources of radiation. It provides a more comprehensive understanding of the potential health impacts of internal contamination with radioactive substances.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of "committed" in this context. Long-term radiation effects, the immediate dose received, and the ability to reverse the dose impact do not specifically describe the aspect of internal dosimetry that "committed" highlights.