At what level of radiation can members of the public not be exposed in an hour?

The level of radiation exposure that members of the public should not exceed in an hour is established primarily for safety and health protection. The correct answer, 2 mrem, aligns with the regulatory limits set forth by organizations such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The dose of 2 mrem represents a conservative value intended to minimize the risk of harmful biological effects associated with radiation exposure. Regulatory guidelines are designed to protect individuals in the general population from potential immediate and long-term health risks related to radiation, including cancer.

Exposure levels above this limit could potentially increase the risk of adverse health effects, particularly among sensitive populations such as children or those with pre-existing health conditions. The commitment to keeping the exposure at or below this level is part of broader radiation safety principles, emphasizing the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) concept, which aims to keep radiation exposure as low as possible.

Therefore, the choice of 2 mrem as an exposure limit for the public in any hour reflects a stringent approach to ensuring public safety in areas where radiation sources are present.