What is the typical occupational dose received by a radiation worker at a nuclear plant in the U.S.?

The typical occupational dose received by a radiation worker at a nuclear plant in the U.S. is often around 140 millirem. This figure is grounded in regulations and safety standards established by organizations such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).

Occupational doses for radiation workers are closely monitored and regulated to ensure safety while allowing for necessary operational exposure. The 140 millirem figure is consistent with what is considered an acceptable annual dose limit for workers in controlled environments, balancing the need for safe operation of the facility and the health risks associated with radiation exposure.

Lower values like 70 and 100 millirem would suggest a work environment with very stringent controls or a worker with minimal exposure circumstances, while higher values like 200 millirem may indicate more frequent exposure or potential safety concerns that could be scrutinized in relation to regulatory guidelines. Thus, 140 millirem represents a standard measure established through years of research and regulatory oversight concerning occupational exposure in the nuclear industry.