What is the annual whole body dose limit in millirems (mRem)?

The annual whole body dose limit is set at 500 millirems (mRem) for radiation workers, which aligns with the regulations set by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This limit is designed to minimize the risk of stochastic effects, such as cancer, among individuals exposed to ionizing radiation in the workplace.

The rationale behind establishing a limit of 500 mRem is rooted in health physics principles and the goal of ensuring safety for workers handling or exposed to radiation. By maintaining a conservative dose limit, regulatory bodies help protect workers from potential adverse health effects associated with long-term radiation exposure.

In comparison, higher limits presented in the other options (like 1000 mRem, 5000 mRem, or even 10,000 mRem) exceed safety thresholds deemed acceptable and would potentially increase the risk of radiation-induced health problems. Therefore, the choice of 500 mRem reflects a well-established standard in the field of radiological safety, safeguarding healthcare professionals and others who may encounter radiation in their work.