What is ALARA and why is it central to a radiation protection program?

• A. ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable; actively reduce exposure by time, distance, shielding, and procedural controls to minimize risk.
• B. ALARA stands for As Large As Reasonably Acceptable; maximize exposure.
• C. ALARA stands for As Low As Remote Achievable; ignore shielding.
• D. ALARA stands for As Low As Readily Achievable; heavy shielding only.

Answer: (A)

ALARA means keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable. In practice, this means actively reducing dose by limiting time near the source, increasing distance from it, using shielding, and applying procedural and administrative controls to minimize risk. This principle guides every part of a radiation protection program—from designing facilities and planning work to training and monitoring workers. It requires evaluating what protective measures are feasible and affordable and then implementing them to lower dose without compromising essential operations. Remember, ALARA is about optimization, not zero exposure, balancing dose reduction with technical and economic considerations. The other options either redefine the acronym or advocate strategies that would increase exposure or ignore shielding.