Which statement about ALARA is NOT a typical strategy?

• A. Minimizing exposure time.
• B. Maximizing distance.
• C. Using shielding.
• D. Accept higher exposure to save time.

Answer: (D)

ALARA aims to keep radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable by applying protective measures like reducing exposure time, increasing distance from the source, and using shielding. Reducing the time of exposure directly lowers dose, since less time means less radiation entering the body. Increasing distance lowers dose significantly due to the inverse-square effect—the further away you are, the smaller the dose you receive. Shielding provides a physical barrier that absorbs or blocks radiation, further reducing exposure.

Accepting higher exposure to save time would raise the dose instead of lowering it, which goes against the whole goal of ALARA. Even under time pressure, the idea is to minimize dose while still getting the job done, using time, distance, and shielding to protect workers first.

So, accepting higher exposure to save time is not a typical ALARA strategy.