Maximum radiation limit and its application to Depleted Uranium and uranium

The radiation dose provided for by the International Basic Safety Standards, approved by UN agencies in 1996, limits the use of above normal exposure levels.

  • The public cannot receive more than 1 millisievert (mSv) of dose in one year. During special situations, the effective dose can be increased to 5 mSv in one year when the average dose in the last five consecutive years has not exceeded 1 mSv in one year. A dose in the skin cannot be increased to 50 mSv in one year.
  • If anyone should get exposed due to work, the exposure should not exceed 20 mSv in one year as an average for five consecutive years or 50 mSv in one year. A dose in the extremities or to the skin should not exceed 500 mSv in one year.
  • When DU or uranium is to be taken, the dose limits are restricted only to inhaled and insoluble uranium compounds. Chemical toxicity is one of the factors being considered to limit exposure and effective doses.

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