The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement (NCRP) recommends that the whole-body radiation dose received by a female worker during the nine months of her pregnancy not exceed 500 millirem (mrem) (5 mSv), or 10% of the annual occupational dose limit. The NRC has published Regulatory Guide 8.13, which details the potential health risks of prenatal exposures and suggests precautions and options for the pregnant worker. Copies of Regulatory Guide 8.13 may be obtained from EH&S.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has published regulatory guidance, "Instruction Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure", which details potential health risks of prenatal exposures and suggests precautions and options for the pregnant worker. Copies of this regulatory guide may be obtained from EH&S.
Federal and state regulatory agencies have adopted the NCRP recommendations. However, the regulations only apply when a worker voluntarily declares her pregnancy. If a declaration of pregnancy is made, the worker consents to her employer to limit her radiation dose to a total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) of 500 mrem (5 mSv) throughout the pregnancy. If no declaration is made to the employer, her occupational dose limits remain the same.
A declaration of pregnancy must be made to the RSO in writing and can be made at any time during the pregnancy. Upon receiving the declaration of pregnancy form, EH&S will schedule a counseling session with the worker to review the worker's dose history, current work, and dose limits and explore methods for minimizing radiation exposure. The worker can revoke the declaration of pregnancy at any time, and it will end upon parturition.