ALARA principles apply to which type of radiation exposure?

• A. Non-ionizing radiation (UV, RF)
• B. Ionizing radiation (X-rays)
• C. Both types equally
• D. Neither

Answer: (B)

ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable, and it is the protective approach used when dealing with ionizing radiation because such radiation can cause DNA damage and cancer, and its risks accumulate with exposure. The body of rules and controls—like maximizing distance from the source, using shielding, minimizing time near the source, and applying good work practices—are all aimed at reducing dose to levels that are as low as reasonably achievable given practical considerations. Non-ionizing radiation (such as UV and RF) does not ionize atoms in tissue, and protection for those exposures follows different guidelines focused on preventing harm specific to those hazards rather than applying ALARA in the same sense. So, ALARA applies to ionizing radiation exposures, such as X-rays, rather than to non-ionizing exposures or to both types equally.