Radiation Dose Limits (milliSieverts = mSv) for the Astronauts

Time Period

Blood Forming Organs (BFO)

Eyes

Skin

30 days

250

1000

1500

Annual

500

2000

3000

Career for Males

2000 mSv + 75 x (age in years-30) mSv

4000

6000

Career for Females

2000 mSv + 75 x (age in years-38) mSv

4000

6000

* Cells (such as in the skin, eyes and blood-forming organs) that reproduce rapidly are the most susceptable to damage because they cannot repair themselves easily while replicating.

** Limits set by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) for all missions except exploratory circumstances in space (e.g., mission to Mars).

Image courtesy of NASA
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