What does ALARA stand for?

• A. As Low As Reasonably Achievable
• B. As Low As Required and Applicable
• C. Always Limit and Radiation Avoidance
• D. As Level and Regulatory Adherence

Answer: (A)

ALARA is about optimizing radiation protection by keeping exposures as low as reasonably achievable. The idea is to continuously seek ways to reduce dose, weighing the effort, cost, and practicality against the benefit of dose reduction. It isn’t about zero exposure, but about applying controls—like shielding, increasing distance, shortening time on-source, and using proper procedures—to lower dose to the lowest level that can be justified economically and socially.

So the best choice captures the exact phrase and the mindset of optimization: reduce exposure to the lowest level achievable within reasonable means. The other phrasings don’t reflect this balance between dose reduction and practicality, so they don’t convey ALARA’s intended meaning.