What is the safe level of nuclear radiation?

Answer 1

The answer to the question depends more on what you consider safe than anything else. The real question is whether any given exposure has sufficient benefit to outweigh the amount of damage that might be done. In some cases, we need to do things that expose us to ionizing radiation in order to stay alive and be healthy, and the amount of exposure is so small that the chance of problems coming from it is to small to worry about.

Any exposure to ionizing radiation can cause medical problems. There is no lower limit, beyond which it is absolutely safe. This includes not only nuclear radiation but other ionizing radiation, such as ultraviolet light, as well.

For example, exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer, and the chance of getting cancer is directly related to the amount of sunlight. The only way to eliminate the chance of getting cancer from sunlight absolutely is to eliminate the exposure absolutely. The problem with this is that we need some exposure to sunlight to ensure good health, so eliminating it is more dangerous than limited exposure.

Similarly, exposure to beta or gamma radiation can cause medical problems, and the only way to eliminate these problems being caused by such radiation is to eliminate the exposure. The problem with eliminating the exposure is that it cannot be done. About one out of every 9000 potassium atoms is radioactive, and will give off gamma or beta radiation. But potassium is also a requirement for life, as a chemical, and eliminating it would quickly cause a person to sicken and die.

We put smoke detectors in our houses, because early detection of fires saves lives. The smoke detectors usually contain radioactive substances, but the increased threat from them is negligible compared to the increased threat from fire without them.

We are exposed to nuclear radiation in medical practice that is intended to benefit our health and extend our lives.

So to answer the question precisely, we would have to say that there is no absolutely safe level of radiation greater than none at all. What we have to do is assess each potential source of radiation and ask whether the risk of exposure is small enough that the actual exposure is overall beneficial.

Since the question of whether something is safe cannot be answered without some subjective evaluation, I will tell you my own belief. I believe that we are all subjected to as much radiation as we need, and probably more, already, assuming we use sunscreen or cover ourselves well. If any further exposure is to be done, there should be some very good, specific reason for it. So, the safe limit for further exposure is zero.

Answer 2

The formula for max lifetime radiation is in the form of: Max dosage =C +5(n-18) Where C is a constant whose value I've forgotten; N= cuurent age of individual. This formula suggests that maximum annual dosage for an adult is 5 REM

Answer 3

There is no safe level of radiation, although humans are exposed to it every day. Even a small amount of radiation can have adverse effects.

Answer 4

the maximum amount of nuclear radiation a human can recieve in a year is 5 rems/5 rads.