For a controlled area, what is the maximum permissible exposure rate?

In radiation safety, the maximum permissible exposure rate for a controlled area is significant for ensuring the health and safety of personnel working in environments where radiation is present. Controlled areas are designated spaces where access is limited to individuals who are trained and monitored for radiation exposure.

The recommended limit of 100 mREM/week aligns with guidelines established by organizations like the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP). This standard is in place to keep the exposure of workers within safe bounds while allowing for necessary work in radiologically hazardous environments. It provides a weekly limit that can be beneficial for scheduling and operational planning, ensuring that workers do not exceed safe exposure levels over time.

The other choices offer limits that are either inadequate for a controlled area or do not fit standard recommendations. A limit of 1 mREM/hr or 10 mREM/hr would be too restrictive and might not be practical for areas where users are actively working and performing tasks that involve routine exposure. Likewise, 1 mREM/week would be unrealistically low for a controlled area, making operational tasks unfeasible. The choice of 100 mREM/week balances safety with operational effectiveness, key for maintaining a productive working environment while protecting health.