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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

Home About NRC Radiation Protection How the NRC Protects You Health Physics Positions Based on 10 CFR Part 20

Health Physics Questions and Answers - Question 57

Question 57: The definition of a very high radiation area (10 CFR 20.1003) and the requirement for control of access to very high radiation areas specify an absorbed dose of 500 rads in an hour. Is this a deep dose, a shallow dose, or an eye dose?

Answer: The 500-rad dose is intended to be a deep dose, evaluated at a tissue depth of 1 cm (1000 mg/square cm).

(References: 10 CFR 20.1003, 10 CFR 20.1602)

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, December 12, 2017