What is the Annual Limit on Intake (ALI)?

The Annual Limit on Intake (ALI) refers specifically to the amount of radioactive material that an individual can ingest or inhale, which would result in a committed effective dose equivalent (CEDE) of 5 rem over an entire year. This limit is established to protect workers from harmful health effects associated with radiation exposure, particularly from internal sources of contamination.

The value of 5 rem has been determined based on various studies and risk assessments, serving as a guideline to ensure that radiation workers remain within safe exposure levels over the course of their careers. By focusing on the intake of radioactive materials, the ALI plays a critical role in monitoring and managing occupational radiation exposure, thereby safeguarding the health and safety of workers in environments where they might encounter radiation.

The other options pertain to different concepts related to radiation safety. For example, one option refers to external radiation exposure limits, while another discusses maximum radiation levels in contaminated areas or total exposure during a work shift, neither of which directly aligns with the definition of ALI. Understanding the specific context of ALI as it relates to internal exposure helps clarify why it is a critical measurement in radiation protection protocols.