What is the purpose of distance in radiation protection?

The purpose of distance in radiation protection is to reduce the radiation dose received. Radiation exposure typically decreases with increasing distance from the source due to the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source. By maintaining or increasing distance from a radiation source, individuals inherently lower their risk of receiving a higher dose of radiation. This principle is fundamental in radiation safety practices and is often emphasized in training and guidelines to protect both workers and the public from harmful exposure.

The effectiveness of distance as a protective measure is key in environments where radiation is present, such as medical facilities, nuclear power plants, and research laboratories, allowing for safer operational practices while still enabling necessary tasks involving radiation.