What is the maximum allowable dose of radiation for a member of the general public per year?

The maximum allowable dose of radiation for a member of the general public per year is set at 1 mSv (1000 µSv). This limit is established to protect the health and safety of individuals not engaged in radiation work, acknowledging that while natural background radiation is a normal part of life, additional exposure from radiation sources should be minimized.

This limit is important for ensuring that non-workers remain at a low risk for potential radiation-related health effects. The choice of 1 mSv takes into consideration the need for safety while allowing for some level of controlled exposure from medical procedures, natural occurrences, and other sources. It balances the benefits of certain medical and industrial activities with the imperative to maintain public health standards.

In comparison, higher values such as 5 mSv, 10 mSv, and 0.5 mSv either exceed the safety thresholds recommended for the general public or represent levels that are typically applicable to occupational exposure scenarios rather than those for non-radiation workers. Thus, the designation of 1 mSv as the maximum allowable dose emphasizes a cautious approach to protecting public health while recognizing the existing natural exposures everyone encounters.