For applications relating to human health this is a small quantity,[1] and SI multiples of the unit are commonly used.

[3] 1 Bq = 1 s−1 A special name was introduced for the reciprocal second (s−1) to represent radioactivity to avoid potentially dangerous mistakes with prefixes.

The level of exposure and thus the absorbed dose received are what should be considered when assessing the effects of ionizing radiation on humans.

The becquerel succeeded the curie (Ci),[12] an older, non-SI unit of radioactivity based on the activity of 1 gram of radium-226.

[4][13] Conversion factors: The following table shows radiation quantities in SI and non-SI units.