What is the recommended annual whole body dose limit for an adult occupational radiation worker?

The recommended annual whole body dose limit for an adult occupational radiation worker is set at 5 rem. This limit is established by regulatory bodies, such as the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), as a guideline to protect workers from the potential harmful effects of radiation exposure.

The choice of 5 rem is based on a balance between allowing necessary radiation exposure for medical and industrial purposes while minimizing the risk of health effects, including cancer. This limit reflects a consensus that exposure should be as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA principle), considering both the nature of the work and the safety standards that have been developed through extensive research.

Other doses mentioned are either lower than what is deemed acceptable for professionals who might work with radiation in a safe and controlled manner, or they exceed the limits established for occupational exposure, which are not recognized as appropriate for radiation workers. Setting a limit at 5 rem provides a safeguard for health while allowing adequately trained professionals to perform their duties.