ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

For the entire pregnancy, what is the maximum radiation dose an unborn baby may receive?

1. 100 mR (1000 μSv)

2. 250 mR (2500 μSv)

3. 500 mR (5000 μSv)

4. 1 R (10000 μSv)

The correct answer is: 500 mR (5000 μSv)

The maximum radiation dose that an unborn baby may receive throughout the entirety of a pregnancy is set at 500 mR (5000 μSv). This limit is established based on guidelines from organizations such as the NCRP (National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements) and ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection), which aim to protect developing fetuses from excessive exposure that could lead to adverse health effects. The threshold of 500 mR is considered to strike a balance between the necessary use of radiation for medical purposes and the need to minimize potential risks to fetal development. Exceeding this dose could potentially increase the risk of developmental issues, including congenital abnormalities or increased cancer risk later in life, which is why stringent limits are in place. Thus, understanding and adhering to this dose limit is critical for professionals involved in industrial radiography and any procedures that may expose pregnant individuals to radiation.