Final answer:
Occupational radiation monitoring is mandated when an individual is likely to receive more than 10% of the annual dose limit to ensure radiation safety and prevent excessive exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Occupational radiation monitoring is required when it is likely that an individual will receive more than 10% of the annual dose limit. This threshold is in place to protect workers who are at risk of exposure due to their professional activities, such as those involved in medical radiology or in nuclear power plants. The maximum occupational whole-body dose allowed varies by country, usually falling within the range of 20 to 50 mSv per year. Sometimes, especially for areas like the hands, a higher dose is permissible, but much lower doses are mandated for sensitive organs and for the fetuses of pregnant women.
The 10% threshold serves as an early warning signal to prevent workers from nearing or exceeding the annual limits, thus focusing on radiation safety. Routine monitoring helps ensure that professionals in at-risk occupations remain within the safe levels of exposure to prevent long-term health risks associated with radiation, including the increased risk of cancer from higher exposure.