Radiation Safety Limits
Exposure Guidelines
Learn Safety LimitsRadiation exposure limits protect workers and the public from harmful effects. Understanding these limits and comparing them to everyday exposures provides important context.
Common Exposures
| Source | Dose |
|---|---|
| Chest X-ray | 0.1 mSv |
| Dental X-ray | 0.005 mSv |
| CT scan (chest) | 7 mSv |
| Mammogram | 0.4 mSv |
| Flight (NY to LA) | 0.03 mSv |
| Living near nuclear plant/year | 0.01 mSv |
| Smoking (1 pack/day/year) | ~70 mSv to lungs |
Conclusion
Radiation limits are set conservatively based on observed health effects. Most medical procedures involve small doses compared to annual limits. Background radiation from natural sources (~2-3 mSv/year) is unavoidable and generally harmless. Context helps assess relative risks.