What is the maximum permissible annual dose for the whole body, head, trunk, arm above elbow, and leg above knee?

What is the maximum permissible annual dose for the whole body, head, trunk, arm above elbow, and leg above knee?

• A. 15 rem/year
• B. 50 rem/year
• C. 5 rem/year
• D. 0.5 rem/year

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that occupational radiation exposure has different dose limits for the whole body (and major organs) versus the extremities. The limit for the whole body, head, and trunk is five rem per year, reflecting protection against systemic health effects. The extremities (arms above the elbow, legs above the knee) have their own limit, which is higher, at fifty rem per year, because those tissues can tolerate more localized exposure. When evaluating the listed areas together, the overall permissible annual dose is governed by the stricter whole-body limit. So the maximum permissible dose for the whole body, head, trunk, and the extremities listed is five rem per year.

The key idea is that occupational radiation exposure has different dose limits for the whole body (and major organs) versus the extremities. The limit for the whole body, head, and trunk is five rem per year, reflecting protection against systemic health effects. The extremities (arms above the elbow, legs above the knee) have their own limit, which is higher, at fifty rem per year, because those tissues can tolerate more localized exposure.

When evaluating the listed areas together, the overall permissible annual dose is governed by the stricter whole-body limit. So the maximum permissible dose for the whole body, head, trunk, and the extremities listed is five rem per year.