Radiation Safety Practice Exam

At what dose of radiation are half of exposed personnel expected to die within 30 days without medical care?

1. Below 100 REM

2. 200 to 400 REM

3. 400 to 500 REM

4. 100 to 200 REM

The correct answer is: 400 to 500 REM

The expected dose of radiation at which half of the exposed personnel may die within 30 days without medical care is approximately between 400 to 500 REM. This range is significant in radiation safety and health physics, as it reflects the threshold where the lethality of radiation exposure becomes critical. At this level of exposure, the damage to the body is severe enough to cause acute radiation syndrome (ARS), which manifests with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and hematopoietic effects as the bone marrow and other critical systems are impacted. The risk of death within 30 days without medical intervention is statistically high, emphasizing the urgent need for prompt medical care and treatment to manage the effects of such high radiation doses. Understanding this concept is essential for professionals working in environments where radiation exposure may occur, as it highlights the seriousness of radiation safety protocols and the importance of minimizing exposure to protect health and ensure safety in potentially hazardous situations.