What is the dose limit allowed for radiation workers annually to the whole body in rem?

The dose limit for radiation workers annually to the whole body is set at 5 rem/year. This limit is established by regulatory agencies to ensure the safety and health of individuals working in environments where they may be exposed to ionizing radiation. The limit reflects careful consideration of risk and safety, aiming to minimize potential harmful effects while allowing for necessary occupational exposure.

The choice of 5 rem/year aligns with recommendations from organizations such as the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). This limit takes into account not just the immediate effects of radiation exposure, but also the long-term risks of potential health issues, including cancer.

In comparison, higher dose limits such as 15 rem/year and 50 rem/year significantly increase the risk of adverse health effects and are not in line with current radiation safety practices. The very low limit of 0.005 rem/year would be practically irrelevant for radiation workers, who often work in environments where exposure levels necessitate a more realistic limit for monitoring and management purposes. Thus, 5 rem/year is established as a standard that balances occupational exposure with safety.