What is an effective way to reduce radiation exposure in a work environment?

An effective way to reduce radiation exposure in a work environment is to maximize distance from the source and use appropriate shielding. This approach is grounded in the principles of radiation protection, which emphasize that increasing the distance between a worker and a radiation source significantly decreases exposure due to the inverse square law. According to this law, as distance from the source increases, the intensity of radiation exposure diminishes rapidly.

Moreover, employing shielding materials that absorb or deflect radiation further minimizes exposure. Shielding can take various forms, depending on the type of radiation (e.g., lead for X-rays, concrete for gamma rays) and provides an additional layer of safety in environments where radiation is present.

In contrast, increasing exposure time, limiting distance to the source, and performing only indoor work do not contribute to reducing radiation exposure effectively. More specifically, spending more time near the source only increases the exposure, and staying close to the source without proper protective measures can lead to higher risks. Conducting work indoors may reduce certain types of environmental factors but does not inherently minimize radiation exposure compared to the sound practice of using distance and shielding.