What is the maximum allowable level for secondary radiation at 1 meter?

The correct maximum allowable level for secondary radiation at 1 meter is 100 mR/hour. This standard is established to ensure safety for both patients and healthcare workers in environments where fluoroscopic procedures are performed. The specified limit reflects the need to minimize exposure to ionizing radiation, thus protecting individuals from potential harmful effects.

Regulatory bodies, such as the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the American College of Radiology (ACR), have outlined this limit as part of guidelines for radiation safety, which include principles like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). The 100 mR/hour threshold is a balance between the necessity of using radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and the need to maintain safety standards to protect operators and patients from excessive exposure.

Other levels mentioned, such as 50 mR/hour, 200 mR/hour, and 300 mR/hour, either do not align with established guidelines for permissible exposure or exceed the safety limits set to mitigate the risks associated with secondary radiation. Maintaining exposure to within 100 mR/hour is essential for building a safe medical environment in fluoroscopic imaging, thereby helping to protect against long-term effects of radiation.