What is the recommended distance to maintain from a source of ionizing radiation?

Maintaining distance from a source of ionizing radiation is crucial for minimizing exposure. The recommendation to stay "as far as reasonably achievable" is based on the principle of radiation protection known as ALARA, which stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable." This principle emphasizes the importance of keeping radiation exposure to a minimum while considering social and economic factors.

When individuals maintain a greater distance from the radiation source, they significantly reduce their exposure due to the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source. Thus, the farther one is from the radiation source, the less radiation will impact them.

In contrast, getting as close to the radiation source as possible is contrary to safety protocols, as is suggesting a specific distance like one meter without context, since safety measures should be adaptable based on the specific situation and type of radiation. Recommendations implying less than one meter do not align with best practices focused on minimizing radiation exposure. Overall, emphasizing a flexible and reasonable distance based on the ALARA principle is the most effective approach to radiation safety.