What annual limit has the Nuclear Regulatory Commission established for ionizing radiation exposure?

The annual limit established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for occupational exposure to ionizing radiation is indeed 5 rem per year. This limit is designed to protect workers from the potential harmful effects of radiation exposure while allowing for necessary occupational activities in environments where radiation is present.

This standard is based on a balance between safety and the needs of the industry, taking into account dose-response relationships and epidemiological studies on radiation exposure. The intention behind setting this limit is to minimize health risks associated with radiation while allowing professionals in the field to perform their duties effectively.

Other options present different exposure limits, which are not aligned with the regulatory guidelines set by the NRC, hence they do not reflect the current standards for ionizing radiation exposure in occupational settings.