The occupational dose for students of radiologic technology who are less than 18 years of age is _____.

The correct answer is that the occupational dose for students of radiologic technology who are less than 18 years of age is 0.1 rem per year. This limit is established to protect the developing bodies of young individuals, as they are more sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation.

Regulations set by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and recommendations from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifically highlight the need for stringent dose limits for those under 18 to minimize their risk of long-term health effects, including cancer. The lower limit of 0.1 rem reflects this commitment to safety for minors who are still in training and have not yet fully assumed the responsibilities of a professional radiographer.

In contrast, the occupational dose limits for fully qualified radiation workers are significantly higher, often starting at 0.5 rem or more annually, which further emphasizes the importance of protecting younger, still-developing individuals in the field. The 0.1 rem limit serves to ensure that students are not exposed to more radiation than necessary during their training.