Which of the following statements is true about radiation exposure thresholds for safety?

The statement that there are set limits for public exposure is correct because radiation safety standards include established guidelines that limit the amount of radiation that individuals can be exposed to in a given time frame. These limits are set by organizations such as the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These regulations are designed to protect the public from potential harmful effects of radiation, particularly in non-occupational settings.

Public exposure limits take into account the need to minimize radiation exposures to which the general population may be subjected, ensuring that these exposures are as low as reasonably achievable while still allowing for necessary uses of radiation in medicine, industry, and research. These recommended limits are based on extensive research and data assessment regarding the biological effects of ionizing radiation, balancing health risks and societal benefits.

In contrast, while the concept that all radiation exposure is harmful can be debated, it is generally accepted that low levels of exposure pose a negligible risk. The idea that thresholds vary for individuals acknowledges differences in sensitivity to radiation but does not provide specific safety boundaries applicable to the general public. Lastly, the statement that exposure thresholds are not defined contradicts the established safety standards and regulatory frameworks currently in place.