What is the recommended dose limit for occupational exposure to radiation?

The recommended dose limit for occupational exposure to radiation is set to minimize the risk of detrimental health effects while allowing for the necessary activities that require exposure to ionizing radiation. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommends an annual dose limit of 20 mSv for radiation workers over a five-year period, which averages out to 100 mSv over that time frame. However, for a single year, the limit allows for reaching up to 50 mSv without an immediate adverse effect, accounting for necessary safety measures and monitoring in the workplace.

The dose of 50 mSv takes into consideration the balance between occupational hazards and the benefits derived from certain occupations that involve radiation, ensuring that safety protocols are observed to protect workers while still enabling their roles. Hence, a limit of 50 mSv per year is recognized as an acceptable threshold for occupational exposure.