Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

How much ionizing radiation is permitted annually by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission?

1. 2 rem per year

2. 5 rem per year

3. 10 rem per year

4. 15 rem per year

The correct answer is: 5 rem per year

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has established guidelines for radiation exposure limits to protect workers and the public from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. The permissible annual dose for radiation workers is set at 5 rem per year. This limit is designed to balance the need for radiation in various fields, such as medicine and industry, with the necessity of minimizing exposure to ensure safety. Understanding this regulation is crucial in fields involving radiation, as it highlights the importance of safety measures to protect individuals from potential health risks associated with excessive exposure. This particular standard reflects ongoing research and consensus on safe exposure levels, ensuring that individuals working in these environments can do so without exceeding limits that could lead to increased health risks. The other options would describe exposure levels that exceed the regulatory limits established by the NRC for workers. Hence, 5 rem per year is recognized as the maximum allowable annual radiation dose for individuals working in regulated environments.