What is the maximum permissible whole body dose for a radiation worker?

The maximum permissible whole body dose for a radiation worker is established based on guidelines provided by organizations like the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). For occupational exposure, the limit is set at 5 rem/year. This standard is established to minimize the risk of radiation-induced health effects while allowing radiation workers to perform their duties effectively.

This limit factors in not only the potential biological effects of exposure to ionizing radiation but also practical considerations allowing workers to manage their radiation exposure while contributing to their respective fields, like medicine or research. The chosen dose of 5 rem/year includes safety margins, striving to balance risk against the necessity of the work involved, thus ensuring that workers are adequately protected from long-term effects such as cancer or genetic damage.

Other options present doses that significantly exceed the recommended safety limits, which are not compliant with current regulatory standards, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established guidelines for the health and safety of radiation workers.