Is the annual eye dose limit higher than the whole-body limit?

Is the annual eye dose limit higher than the whole-body limit?

• A. The eye limit is higher than the whole-body limit
• B. They are equal
• C. It is not higher
• D. Not specified

Answer: (A)

Doses are set per organ because different tissues have different sensitivities and risks from radiation. The lens of the eye has long been treated as a separate consideration from the whole body. Historically, the occupational annual limit for the lens of the eye was 150 mSv per year, while the whole-body limit was 50 mSv per year. That means the eye limit was higher. This reflects cataract risk in the eye and how protections were structured at the time to protect that sensitive tissue, even though the whole body limit was lower. (Note: newer guidelines have lowered the eye limit in many jurisdictions, but under the traditional values used in this context, the eye limit is higher.)

Doses are set per organ because different tissues have different sensitivities and risks from radiation. The lens of the eye has long been treated as a separate consideration from the whole body. Historically, the occupational annual limit for the lens of the eye was 150 mSv per year, while the whole-body limit was 50 mSv per year. That means the eye limit was higher. This reflects cataract risk in the eye and how protections were structured at the time to protect that sensitive tissue, even though the whole body limit was lower. (Note: newer guidelines have lowered the eye limit in many jurisdictions, but under the traditional values used in this context, the eye limit is higher.)