What is the annual equivalent dose limit for parts of the body assessed for the public?

The annual equivalent dose limit for members of the public is established to protect individuals from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. This limit is typically set at a fraction of the occupational limit to account for the fact that workers are trained and equipped to handle radiation safely, while the general public is not.

In the context of regulatory guidance, the dose limit for the public is usually specified as one-tenth of the dose limit set for radiation workers. This distinction recognizes that workers may receive higher exposures due to their professional responsibilities while ensuring that the general public encounters significantly lower risk levels.

Thus, stating that the public's annual equivalent dose limit is one-tenth of the occupational worker limit is consistent with standards established by organizations like the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).