Radiobiology > In Utero Exposure > Occupational Considerations

Pregnancy: Occupational Considerations

• For pregnant workers, the maximum monthly effective dose to the conceptus should not exceed 0.5 mSv.
• Protected by a lead apron, the effective dose received to covered tissues is lessened by a factor of about 10 to 20 (90-95%). Thus, for occupational exposure where lead aprons are used, the effective dose is not the same as the dose recorded on the dosimeter (badge).
• Furthermore, maternal tissues attenuate medical irradiation dose to the fetus by a factor of 2.
• Thus, a monthly badge dose of 5 mSv may not exceed the NRCP recommendations on prenatal exposure.