Which exposure limit is adopted internationally for the general public?

The internationally adopted exposure limit for the general public is set at 1 millisievert (mSv) annually, which is equivalent to 0.1 rem. This limit is established to ensure the safety and protection of individuals who may be exposed to radiation in their everyday environments, including natural radiation sources and potential exposures from human-made sources.

The rationale for this limit is to minimize the risk of radiation-induced health effects such as cancer or genetic damage while allowing society to benefit from the use of radiation in medicine, industry, and various technologies. Keeping the exposure to 0.1 rem (1 mSv) ensures that the risk is kept low while still accommodating necessary activities that involve radiation.

It is important to note that different exposure limits are established for occupational workers, who may be exposed to higher levels of radiation under controlled conditions due to their work requirements. However, the limit for the general public is much lower to provide an added layer of safety for individuals who are not directly involved in radiation work.