The cardinal rules of radiation protection include which trio?

The cardinal rules of radiation protection include which trio?

• A. Collimation, no repeats
• B. Collimation, short exposure time, no repeats
• C. Shielding, distance, time
• D. Time, distance, shielding

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to minimize radiation exposure using three protective strategies: shielding, distance, and reducing time. Shielding involves barriers like lead aprons, walls, or portable shields that absorb or block radiation before it reaches you. Increasing distance from the source reduces exposure because radiation intensity drops off rapidly with distance. Reducing the time you spend near the source lowers the total dose you receive. Together, these three form the fundamental approach to radiation protection and are applied in every setting to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable. The trio can be listed in any order, but shielding, distance, and time are the essential components.

The main idea is to minimize radiation exposure using three protective strategies: shielding, distance, and reducing time. Shielding involves barriers like lead aprons, walls, or portable shields that absorb or block radiation before it reaches you. Increasing distance from the source reduces exposure because radiation intensity drops off rapidly with distance. Reducing the time you spend near the source lowers the total dose you receive. Together, these three form the fundamental approach to radiation protection and are applied in every setting to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable. The trio can be listed in any order, but shielding, distance, and time are the essential components.