The concept of a permissible dose is one appearing at a contactpoint of natural and social sciences. The permissible dose in radiation protection was adopted as a model in the present paper, reason being to analyze the concept historically and to realize and understand the process of development, as this concept has been discussed extensively in radiation protection. It is emphasized here that not only somatic but also genetic changes are included in biological responses where permissible doses are concerned. The permissible dose is being considered separately for the individual and for workmen in shops where they may contact agents concerned with the permissible dose. A decision has been reached utilizing ecological knowledge including mechanisms of dilution and concentration on a global scale. In general, the permissible dose has been estimated conceptually pivoting on the balance of benefit and injury for humans. It is extremely necessary to know for whom it is beneficial and for whom it is injurious. When discussing a permissible dose, medical staff should arrive at decisions from purely medical and biological viewpoints rather than from the viewpoint of balance.
