How is whole-body dose calculated according to radiation safety standards?

The calculation of whole-body dose according to radiation safety standards is designed to assess the potential biological impact of radiation exposure on the entire body, particularly focusing on critical organs and systems that are integral to maintaining health.

Including the gonads and the lens of the eye in the whole-body dose calculation is essential because these areas are particularly sensitive to radiation. The gonads are vital for reproduction, and exposure can have significant implications for future generations, while the lens of the eye is sensitive and can lead to cataracts with sufficient exposure.

Incorporating these specific organs allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the health risks associated with radiation exposure. The aim is to ensure that the safety protocols and dose limits protect against the adverse effects of radiation, considering the organs that are most susceptible to damage or disease from ionizing radiation.

The other options either omit critical areas that are monitored for radiation safety (such as gonads and the lens of the eye) or inaccurately characterize the scope of whole-body dose calculations by limiting the parameters to specific types of radiation or excluding vital organs from consideration.