What is the allowable dose for pregnant workers during their pregnancy?

The allowable dose for pregnant workers is set to ensure the safety of both the worker and the developing fetus, taking into account the potential risks associated with radiation exposure. The limit of 4 mSv (millisieverts) is based on guidelines established by various health organizations and regulatory bodies that consider the biological effects of ionizing radiation.

During pregnancy, the first trimester is particularly sensitive to radiation. Therefore, regulatory agencies have determined that limiting the dose to 4 mSv throughout the entire pregnancy is appropriate to minimize risks such as teratogenic effects and potential long-term health issues for the child. This limit helps in protecting fetal development while allowing pregnant workers to continue performing their duties with appropriate safety measures in place.

Other values, such as 1 mSv, 8 mSv, or 10 mSv, exceed or do not align with the established safety limits for pregnant workers. These higher doses are considered insufficiently protective against the potential health risks during pregnancy, making 4 mSv the accepted standard.