What is the maximum allowable radiation exposure for a member of the general public in one year?

The correct answer reflects the guidelines set forth by regulatory agencies that govern radiation exposure limits for the general public. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), the maximum allowable radiation exposure for a member of the general public in one year is 100 millirems (mrem).

This limit is established to ensure public safety and health while considering the background radiation that individuals naturally receive from the environment. It is important to maintain a balance that allows for the benefits of medical diagnostics and other uses of radiation while ensuring that exposure levels remain well within safe limits to prevent adverse health effects.

In this context, the other options represent exposure limits that are either too low or too high when compared to established guidelines. Such regulations are in place to protect individuals in the community from potential harm associated with radiation exposure, emphasizing the importance of adhering to specified safe limits.