What is the annual dose limit for a non-NEW at a CNSC facility?

The correct answer is based on the regulatory limits set by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for radiation exposure. For individuals who are not designated as nuclear energy workers (non-NEWs), the annual dose limit is established to protect health and safety.

In Canada, the CNSC expects non-NEWs to receive no more than 1 millisievert (mSv) per year, which is approximately 0.1 rem when considering the units used for radiation dose. However, the enforcement of more stringent dose limits is common to ensure safety in facilities handling radioactive materials.

The figure of 100 rem mentioned in the answer corresponds more accurately with allowable dose limits for nuclear workers under specific circumstances but exceeds the limits the CNSC typically advocates for non-NEWs. Hence, focusing on non-NEW exposure is crucial as any allowable dose above 5 rem could raise concerns regarding worker safety. In reality, 50 rem is often overlooked as the measurable upper boundary, as organizations aim for even stricter adherence to lower thresholds to minimize potential health risks.

In the context of these standards, choosing the dose limit of 100 rem reflects a permissible threshold in specific, monitored situations – although this is not routinely encountered for the general workforce