What is the annual effective dose limit for a nonpregnant worker?

The annual effective dose limit for a nonpregnant worker is set at 50 mSv. This limit is established by regulatory agencies, such as the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), to ensure occupational safety and protect workers from potential health risks associated with ionizing radiation exposure.

50 mSv represents a threshold that balances the necessity of radiation use in occupational settings—such as medical imaging or nuclear industries—while maintaining health standards. Exceeding this limit may increase the risk of radiation-related ailments, including cancer, over a worker's lifetime. Therefore, the established limit is a crucial guideline for monitoring and managing radiation safety in the workplace, highlighting the importance of adhering to these regulations to safeguard health.

Other options for dose limits, such as 20 mSv, 100 mSv, or 5 rem, do not reflect the current regulatory standards for nonpregnant workers in many countries, making 50 mSv the appropriate choice.