What is the maximum allowable dose per week for an uncontrolled area?

The maximum allowable dose per week for an uncontrolled area is typically established based on regulatory standards to ensure the safety of individuals who may be exposed. The correct answer indicates that the threshold for exposure in such areas should not exceed 20 μSv in a week.

Uncontrolled areas are those where the general public has access and where radiation exposure must be kept at levels that do not pose a significant risk to human health. Regulatory bodies, such as the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), set these limits to safeguard against potential radiation-related health effects.

In uncontrolled areas, exposures are meant to be minimal to protect non-occupationally exposed individuals, such as visitors or passersby, from unnecessary radiation. The limit of 20 μSv incorporates safety considerations to prevent any potential long-term health impacts associated with low-level radiation exposure. Thus, the focus is not only on immediate safety but also on maintaining exposure as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA principle).

The other doses presented in the choices may not align with the established guidelines for uncontrolled areas, emphasizing the importance of adhering to accepted standards for radiation safety.