What are the three cardinal rules of radiation safety?

The three cardinal rules of radiation safety are time, distance, and shielding. Among these, the concept of time refers to minimizing the duration of exposure to radioactive sources. This is crucial because radiation dose is directly proportional to the time spent in the vicinity of the source; hence, the shorter the time, the lesser the exposure.

Distance is equally important, as increasing the distance from a radioactive source significantly reduces exposure. The intensity of radiation diminishes with distance due to the inverse square law, meaning that doubling the distance from a source reduces the radiation exposure to one-quarter.

Shielding involves using materials to absorb or deflect radiation, providing a barrier between the source and the individual. Different types of radiation require different shielding materials; for instance, lead is often used to shield against gamma rays.

By emphasizing time, distance, and shielding, individuals working with or around radiation can effectively minimize their exposure and enhance their safety.