What is the maximum permissible annual dose for the lens of the eye?

What is the maximum permissible annual dose for the lens of the eye?

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

Answer: (A)

The lens of the eye is unusually sensitive to ionizing radiation, so protection standards set a relatively low annual dose limit for it to reduce cataract risk. For occupational exposure, the limit is 15 rem per year (about 150 mSv). The other options are not appropriate: 5 rem/year and 0.5 rem/year are below the established protection level, while 50 rem/year would exceed the approved limit. Therefore, 15 rem/year is the maximum permissible dose for the lens of the eye.

The lens of the eye is unusually sensitive to ionizing radiation, so protection standards set a relatively low annual dose limit for it to reduce cataract risk. For occupational exposure, the limit is 15 rem per year (about 150 mSv). The other options are not appropriate: 5 rem/year and 0.5 rem/year are below the established protection level, while 50 rem/year would exceed the approved limit. Therefore, 15 rem/year is the maximum permissible dose for the lens of the eye.