During a radiation safety audit, a radiologist's film badge shows an absorbed dose equivalent of 45 mSv over the past year. As per the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and ICRP limits for occupational exposure, this reading indicates:

• A The dose is within the permissible annual occupational limit of 50 mSv for any single year
• B The dose exceeds the regulatory limit of 30 mSv for any single year and requires investigation
• C The dose is below the public exposure limit of 1 mSv and no action is needed
• D The dose is acceptable provided the 5-year average does not exceed 20 mSv, with no single year exceeding 50 mSv ✓

Explanation

ICRP and AERB prescribe an occupational dose limit of 20 mSv per year averaged over 5 defined years, with no single year exceeding 50 mSv. A reading of 45 mSv in one year is therefore within the single-year ceiling of 50 mSv, though it exceeds the annual average of 20 mSv and must trigger review of the 5-year rolling average and work practices. Option A incorrectly states 50 mSv as the routine annual limit. Option B wrongly quotes 30 mSv, which is not the Indian regulatory ceiling. Option C confuses occupational and public limits.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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