What is the annual occupational dose equivalent limit for the skin and extremities?

• A. 1.5 rem or .015Sv
• B. 5 rem or .05 Sv
• C. 15 rem or 0.15 Sv
• D. 50 rem or 0.5 Sv

Answer: (D)

The limit for skin and extremities is 50 rem per year, which equals 0.5 Sv. This area can tolerate a higher localized dose because the entire body isn’t being exposed at once, and these sites often receive incidental shielding or partial protection during procedures. The whole-body limit is much lower (5 rem or 0.05 Sv) to guard the organism as a whole, while the eye lens has its own limit (15 rem or 0.15 Sv) due to its sensitivity. The 1.5 rem figure isn’t a standard occupational limit. So, 50 rem per year (0.5 Sv) is the appropriate limit for skin and extremities.