Annual Limit on Intake (ALI): Key Insights into Its Legal Definition

Definition & Meaning

The annual limit on intake (ALI) refers to the maximum amount of radioactive material that an adult worker can safely take into their body through inhalation or ingestion over the course of a year. This limit is designed to protect workers from harmful radiation exposure. Specifically, the ALI is defined as the lower intake value of a specific radionuclide that would lead to either a committed effective dose equivalent of 5 rems (0.05 Sv) or a committed dose equivalent of 50 rems (0.5 Sv) to any individual organ or tissue. These limits are established to ensure safety in environments where radioactive materials are present.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A nuclear power plant worker is required to monitor their intake of a specific radionuclide, such as cesium-137. The ALI for cesium-137 is set to ensure that their exposure does not exceed safety limits over the year.

Example 2: An environmental technician working at a waste disposal site must ensure that their ingestion of certain radioactive materials remains below the established ALI, protecting their health and safety. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Annual Limit on Intake (ALI) The maximum amount of radioactive material an adult can intake in a year. Focuses on intake limits for safety.
Maximum Permissible Concentration (MPC) The highest concentration of a radionuclide allowed in the environment. MPC relates to environmental exposure, not direct intake.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you work in an environment where radioactive materials are present, it is essential to understand the ALI relevant to your specific situation. Here are steps you can take:

  • Consult with your employer or safety officer about ALI values for your workplace.
  • Utilize resources like US Legal Forms to access legal templates related to occupational safety.
  • If you have concerns about exposure, consider seeking advice from a legal professional or occupational health expert.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical ALI Value Varies by radionuclide
Regulatory Body Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Potential Penalties Fines for non-compliance with safety standards

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The ALI is designed to limit the amount of radioactive material that a worker can safely intake, protecting their health and safety.