What is the dose limit for non-radiation workers in the U.S.?

The dose limit for non-radiation workers in the U.S. is established by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The correct value is set at 0.1 rem per year, which reflects the goal of minimizing exposure to ionizing radiation for those who are not employed in radiation-related occupations but may still be exposed due to the proximity of radiation sources. This limit is much lower than that for individuals who work in radiation environments, aiming to protect the health of the general public and ensure their safety.

The rationale behind this dose limit is rooted in the principle of radiation safety — to keep radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), while acknowledging that even minimal exposures carry some risk. Other options provided exceed this recommended limit, thus not aligning with safety guidelines intended for non-radiation workers' protection.