The question of "safe" radiation is complex, as any radiation exposure carries some level of risk, but regulatory bodies have established limits considered acceptable.
The amount of radiation considered safe depends on whether you are a member of the general public or a designated radiation worker. Here's a breakdown:
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General Public: The annual limit for radiation exposure is 1 millisievert (mSv). This is equivalent to 1000 microsieverts (µSv). This limit aims to keep radiation exposure to a minimum for individuals not working directly with radiation sources.
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Radiation Workers: Individuals whose jobs involve working with radiation sources are allowed a higher annual limit of 20 mSv. This higher limit acknowledges the necessity of their exposure while still prioritizing safety.
Here's a table summarizing the limits:
| Group | Annual Radiation Limit |
|---|---|
| General Public | 1 mSv |
| Radiation Workers | 20 mSv |
It's important to understand that these are limits, not targets. The goal is always to minimize radiation exposure as much as reasonably achievable (ALARA - As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
It's also worth noting that we are constantly exposed to natural background radiation from sources like cosmic rays, radon gas in the air, and naturally occurring radioactive materials in the soil and rocks. The average annual background radiation dose is around 3 mSv, which means the regulatory limits are in addition to this unavoidable exposure.
