Radiation can ionize matter caused by the high energy which displaces electrons during interactions with atoms. In the electromagnetic spectrum higher frequency ultraviolet radiation begins to have enough energy to ionize matter.
Examples of ionizing radiation include alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, x-rays, neutrons, high-speed electrons, high-speed protons, and other particles capable of producing ions by direct or secondary processes in passage through tissues.
Damage of living tissue results from the transfer of energy to atoms and molecules in the cellular structure. Ionized cells have to repair themselves to remain alive. Generally, healthy cells have a higher capability to repair themselves than cancer cells.

Biological effects of ionizing radiation exposure:
Ionizing radiation are used in a wide range of facilities, including health care, research institutions, nuclear reactors and their support facilities, and other manufacturing settings. These radiation sources can pose a serious hazard to affected people and environment if not properly controlled.

See also Radiation Safety, Controlled Area, Radiotoxicity and As Low As Reasonably Achievable.

Scattered radiation is caused by interaction of the primary radiation with matter. The interaction with matter could cause a change in direction (scattering) and a reduction in energy.
From a radiation protection point of view, scattered radiation is assumed to come primarily from interactions of primary radiation with tissues of the patient.

Scattering refers to the reflection of radiation, electromagnetic or particulate, when interacting with matter. Scattering results in a loss of energy of the radiation.
Backscattering refers to a reflection of radiation in a direction generally greater than 90 degrees to that of the incident radiation.

The calibration factor helps to convert between the measured value of a parameter and the actual value of that parameter in a system.
This normalization is necessary in cases where detectors and sensors do not directly sample a parameter, for example the radiation energy is measured by a detector that produces an electrical pulse whose total charge is proportional to the supplied radiation.

The directional dose equivalent is the equivalent dose at a point in a radiation field that would be produced by the corresponding expanded field at depth on a radius in a specified direction. The unit of directional dose equivalent in the SI system of units is joule per kilogram (J/kg) and sievert (Sv).