What is the effect of exceeding the annual effective dose limit on public health?

Exceeding the annual effective dose limit can lead to hazardous health risks due to the potential for increased radiation exposure. The effective dose limit is established to protect individuals from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, including the increased risk of developing cancer, genetic mutations, and other serious health conditions.

When individuals or populations are exposed to radiation levels beyond established safety limits, the probability of experiencing adverse biological effects rises significantly. These can manifest as acute health issues in the short term, or long-term consequences such as somatic and genetic effects. Therefore, maintaining radiation exposure within safe limits is crucial for safeguarding public health and minimizing the risk of these severe consequences.

In contrast, increased financial costs might arise from the need for medical treatment or monitoring, while minimal impact or enhanced safety regulations do not accurately reflect the serious nature of the health risks associated with excessive radiation exposure.