What is the annual dose limit for the general public?

The annual dose limit for the general public is indeed set at 0.1 rem (or 1 mSv). This regulation is designed to protect individuals who are not occupationally exposed to radiation, ensuring their safety and minimizing the risk of potential harmful effects from exposure. This limit is based on the principle of keeping doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) and considers the background radiation exposure that individuals receive from natural sources.

The dose limit for individuals in the general population is much lower than that for radiation workers, who typically have a higher permissible exposure due to their professional activities in handling radioactive materials or using radiation for medical treatments. By setting a lower annual dose limit for the general public, regulatory bodies aim to safeguard the health of those who may be inadvertently exposed to radiation in their environments.