What is the annual whole-body radiation dose limit for infrequent exposure to the general public?

The annual whole-body radiation dose limit for infrequent exposure to the general public is set at 5 millisieverts (mSv). This limit is established based on guidelines from organizations such as the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and other regulatory bodies that ensure public safety regarding radiation exposure.

The rationale for this limit is to minimize the potential health risks associated with radiation exposure while allowing for some degree of exposure from medical procedures, environmental sources, and other factors typical in daily life. The 5 mSv limit strikes a balance between ensuring safety and recognizing that occasional exposure is part of modern life, provided that it remains within acceptable risk levels.

Limits lower than this, such as 1 mSv, might apply to more frequent exposures or particular sensitive groups, while limits higher than 5 mSv are usually associated with specific occupational settings rather than general public exposure.