What is the DOE dose limit for radiation workers per year?

The Department of Energy (DOE) has established a dose limit for radiation workers to ensure their safety and health while working in environments where they may be exposed to ionizing radiation. The limit is set at 5 rem (which is equivalent to 5000 millirems) per year.

This limit is designed to provide adequate protection for workers against potential radiation-related health risks, while also allowing them to perform their job tasks effectively. The 5 rem limit reflects a balance between occupational exposure and the need to maintain safety standards, taking into consideration factors such as the nature of the work and potential exposure scenarios that radiation workers might encounter.

In contrast, the other values listed—1 rem, 100 mrem, and 50 mrem—are lower than the established limit for radiation workers, which would not provide the necessary leeway for those working regularly in radiation environments to safely conduct their work tasks without exceeding unnecessarily restrictive exposure limits. Therefore, the selection of 5 rem as the annual dose limit is consistent with guidelines aimed at protecting radiation workers while accommodating their occupational requirements.