What is the permissible annual body dose of radiation for the general public?

The permissible annual body dose of radiation for the general public is set at 1 rem. This guideline is established by health and safety regulations to protect individuals from potential adverse health effects associated with ionizing radiation exposure. The limit is designed to account for natural background radiation and potential additional exposure from medical procedures, occupational sources, and environmental factors.

Setting the limit at 1 rem ensures that the risk to public health is minimized while allowing access to beneficial medical and technological advancements that may involve radiation. It reflects a cautious and health-oriented approach to radiation safety, balancing the benefits of radiation use against the need to protect individuals from excessive exposure. This standard is particularly important because members of the general public typically do not have the same level of training or protective measures as professionals in fields where radiation is used regularly.