What is the exposure limit for the general public in terms of mrem per year?

The correct exposure limit for the general public is set at 100 mrem per year. This limit is established by regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to ensure the safety and health of the general population in relation to radiation exposure.

The rationale behind this limit is to minimize the risk of radiation-induced health effects, including cancer, by providing a safe threshold that is much lower than occupational exposure limits, which are higher due to the nature of work-related activities. Regular monitoring and adherence to this exposure limit are crucial for protecting public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.

This limit also serves as a guideline for assessing background radiation levels and any potential contributions from medical treatments, environmental sources, or industrial activities. Understanding these exposure limits is essential for anyone involved in radiation safety practices, providing a framework for ensuring that radiation sources are managed properly to minimize risk to public health.