Table 3.1: Recommended Dose Limits
Below is the table outlining the recommended dose limits in planned exposure situations, as provided by the ICRP. These limits apply to both occupational and public exposure and are designed to ensure radiation safety while allowing the use of radiation in medical and other beneficial practices.
| Type of Limit | Occupational Exposure | Public Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Dose | 20 mSv per year, averaged over a defined period of 5 yearsb | 1 mSv per yearc |
| Annual Equivalent Dose | Lens of the Eye: 20 mSv | Lens of the Eye: 15 mSv |
| Skin: 500 mSv | Skin: 50 mSv | |
| Hands and Feet: 500 mSv | — |
Note: Limits on effective dose are for the sum of relevant effective doses from external exposure and committed effective doses from intakes of radionuclides. For adults, the committed effective dose is computed over 50 years following intake, whereas for children, it is calculated up to 70 years of age.
Example of Occupational Exposure: For workers, the ICRP recommends that the total effective dose should not exceed 50 mSv in any single year, with a 5-year average of no more than 20 mSv annually. For special circumstances, higher doses may be allowed in a single year, as long as the 5-year average does not exceed the 20 mSv per year limit.