The annual permissible radiation dose limit for radiation workers (occupational) as per IAEA guidelines is:

• A 1 mSv/year (same as general public)
• B 20 mSv/year averaged over 5 years, with no single year exceeding 50 mSv ✓
• C 50 mSv/year without any 5-year averaging requirement
• D 100 mSv/year for interventional radiology staff performing fluoroscopy

Explanation

IAEA Basic Safety Standards (and ICRP Publication 103) set the occupational dose limit at 20 mSv per year averaged over 5 consecutive years, with no single year exceeding 50 mSv. This is a 5-year integrated constraint of 100 mSv total. The general public limit is 1 mSv/year. For pregnant radiation workers, the limit for the embryo/fetus after pregnancy is declared is an additional 1 mSv for the remainder of pregnancy. Lens of the eye occupational limit was revised in 2011 to 20 mSv/year (from 150 mSv/year) following evidence of radiation cataract at lower doses. These limits are for planned exposure situations, not emergency exposure.

Reference: Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, 7th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.