What is the maximum annual effective dose limit for the general public?

What is the maximum annual effective dose limit for the general public?

• A. 0.5 rem (5 mSv)
• B. 0.05 rem (0.5 mSv)
• C. 0.1 rem (1 mSv)
• D. 1 rem (10 mSv)

Answer: (C)

The limit being tested is the annual dose allowance for non-occupational (general public) exposure. Regulators set a cap to keep any additional radiation people in the public can receive each year at a very low level, recognizing that exposure accumulates over time and that most people aren’t exposed through work with radiation. The correct value is 1 mSv per year, which equals 0.1 rem. That’s the maximum annual effective dose allowed for the general public from all controllable sources. It’s lower than the occupational limit to provide greater protection for people who aren’t exposed as part of their job. In the options, the other values either exceed this public limit or are lower than it. Remember also the unit relationship: 1 Sv = 100 rem, so 1 mSv = 0.1 rem.

The limit being tested is the annual dose allowance for non-occupational (general public) exposure. Regulators set a cap to keep any additional radiation people in the public can receive each year at a very low level, recognizing that exposure accumulates over time and that most people aren’t exposed through work with radiation.

The correct value is 1 mSv per year, which equals 0.1 rem. That’s the maximum annual effective dose allowed for the general public from all controllable sources. It’s lower than the occupational limit to provide greater protection for people who aren’t exposed as part of their job.

In the options, the other values either exceed this public limit or are lower than it. Remember also the unit relationship: 1 Sv = 100 rem, so 1 mSv = 0.1 rem.