What is the annual allowable effective dose equivalent limit for the whole body?

What is the annual allowable effective dose equivalent limit for the whole body?

• A. 1.0 rem (0.01 Sv)
• B. 0.05 rem (0.0005 Sv)
• C. 0.5 rem (0.005 Sv)
• D. 5 rem (0.05 Sv)

Answer: (C)

Regulatory dose limits for workers are set to balance safety with the need to perform occupational tasks. The annual allowable effective dose equivalent for the whole body in occupational exposure is 5 rem per year, which equals 0.05 Sv. This limit is chosen to keep cancer risk from radiation at a manageable level while still allowing essential radiologic work. Since 1 rem equals 0.01 Sv, 5 rem corresponds to 0.05 Sv. The other numbers are not the standard whole-body limit used for occupational exposure.

Regulatory dose limits for workers are set to balance safety with the need to perform occupational tasks. The annual allowable effective dose equivalent for the whole body in occupational exposure is 5 rem per year, which equals 0.05 Sv. This limit is chosen to keep cancer risk from radiation at a manageable level while still allowing essential radiologic work. Since 1 rem equals 0.01 Sv, 5 rem corresponds to 0.05 Sv. The other numbers are not the standard whole-body limit used for occupational exposure.