What is the annual occupational dose limit for skin or extremity?

• A. 50 rem
• B. 5 rem
• C. 15 rem
• D. 0.5 rem

Answer: (A)

Exposure limits treat different body areas differently because tissues vary in sensitivity and in how dose concentrates during work. The whole body has a limit of 5 rem per year to guard against systemic stochastic risks like cancer. For skin and extremities, the limit is higher—50 rem per year—since these tissues can tolerate more localized dose without affecting overall health. This higher limit also reflects practical needs in procedures where the hands or skin may be exposed repeatedly, and it still protects against deterministic effects by ensuring exposure stays within a safe range over time. So the annual occupational dose limit for skin or extremities is 50 rem.