Final answer:
Radiation exposure for the general public should be maintained at the lowest possible level using radiation protection measures such as limiting exposure time, increasing distance from the source, and using shielding. Low, moderate, and high doses of radiation are characterized by specific sievert levels, and even low-dose exposure is considered to carry risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Radiation exposure should always be kept at the lowest possible level for the general public. The safest amount of radiation to the human body is zero, but since it is impossible to completely avoid ionizing radiation, minimizing exposure is key. To achieve this, one can utilize radiation protection measures that include minimizing the time spent in the radiation environment, maximizing the distance from the radiation source, and using adequate shielding.
While doses of 0.1 Sv or less are considered low, doses from 0.1 to 1 Sv are moderate, and doses over 1 Sv are considered high. It is noteworthy that the worldwide average radiation exposure from natural sources is about 3 mSv or 300 mrem. Adhering to the linear hypothesis suggests that even low doses carry a risk directly proportional to higher doses, emphasizing the importance of following radiation protection principles to maintain exposure at minimal levels.