What is the annual occupational dose equivalent limit set for the whole body dose?

• A. 1.5 rem or .015 Sv
• B. 5 rem or 0.05 Sv
• C. 15 rem or 0.15 Sv
• D. 50 rem or .5 Sv

Answer: (B)

The annual limit for whole‑body occupational exposure is 5 rem (0.05 Sv). This regulatory ceiling is set to keep the risk of stochastic effects, like cancer, low while allowing workers to perform necessary radiologic duties. Dose equivalents are used to account for differences in tissue sensitivity, but for the whole body the limit is expressed as a single global value. In metric terms, 0.05 Sv equals 5 rem. Other body parts have different limits (for example, the lens of the eye can permit about 15 rem per year, and skin or extremities up to around 50 rem), which is why the whole-body limit is set at 5 rem.