What is the maximum recommended occupational whole-body exposure to radiation per year?

The maximum recommended occupational whole-body exposure to radiation per year is 5 rem (or 50 millisieverts). This standard is established by various regulatory agencies, including the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).

Setting the limit at 5 rem per year takes into account both the health risks associated with radiation exposure and the necessity of radiation in certain occupations, such as healthcare and nuclear industries. This level is intended to help protect workers from the potential harmful effects of chronic exposure to radiation, such as an increased risk of cancer and other radiation-related health issues.

While other options represent different levels of exposure, they exceed the recommended safety threshold for occupational exposure, which is designed to ensure worker safety and maintain public health standards. Thus, the choice of 5 rem per year reflects a balance between protecting workers and allowing for the continued use of radiation in various fields.