What is the annual dose limit for radiation workers?

The correct answer is that the annual dose limit for radiation workers is set at 20 mSv. This limit is based on guidelines established by regulatory agencies such as the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and aligns with international standards to ensure the safety of professionals who work with or around radiation.

Setting the dose limit at 20 mSv recognizes the need for a balance between the benefits of radiation use in medical and industrial applications and the importance of minimizing exposure to prevent health risks. This limit is designed to maintain occupational exposure at a manageable level while allowing workers to perform their duties effectively.

The limits are based on the principle of keeping radiation exposure "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA), which is key to protecting workers from potential adverse effects associated with radiation exposure over time. While the workplace dose limit may differ based on the specific protocols of different organizations and varying regulations, 20 mSv serves as a widely accepted benchmark.

In this context, values such as 10 mSv and 50 mSv do not reflect the current commonly accepted standards for radiation workers, while 100 mSv far exceeds the regulatory limits and is not regarded as a safe exposure level within a professional or occupational setting.