ALARA is an acronym used in radiation safety for 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable.' The ALARA radiation safety principle is based on the minimization of radiation doses and limiting the release of radioactive materials into the environment by employing all 'reasonable methods.' ALARA is not only a sound radiation safety principle, but it is a regulatory requirement for all 'radiation protection programs.' The ALARA concept is an integral part of all activities that involve the use of radiation or radioactive materials and can help prevent unnecessary exposure as well as overexposure. The three major principles to assist with maintaining doses 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable' are time, distance and shielding
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Reducing the time of exposure can directly reduce radiation dose. Dose rate is the total amount of radiation absorbed relative to its biological effect. Dose rate is the rate at which the radiation is absorbed. Limiting the time of radiation exposure will reduce your radiation dose.
Increasing the distance between you and the radiation source you will reduce exposure by the square of the distance. Doubling the distance between your body and the radiation source will divide the radiation exposure by a factor of 4.
Lead or lead equivalent shielding for X-rays and gamma rays is an effective way to reduce radiation exposure. There are various types of shielding used in the reduction of radiation exposure including lead aprons, mobile lead shields, lead glasses, and lead barriers. When working in radiation areas it is important to use shielding whenever possible.
Practicing good hygiene and housekeeping habits effectively moderate the internal radiation hazards presented by radionuclides. By eliminating the presence of food and drink in areas where radioactive materials are used or stored, and controlling 'hand to mouth' habits, the risk of internal radiation exposure is reduced.
Labeling radioactive and potentially radioactive areas and items will help prevent the spread of contamination. It is important to control contamination with absorbent papers and spill trays and placing any contaminated item in a properly labeled waste container. When a contamination occurs it is important to promptly decontaminate the area to prevent the spread of the contaminate.
Using fume hoods and avoiding dust, aerosol, or volatile gas production can reduce the potential for inhalation of radioactive substances.
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Using the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable gloves, safety glasses, lab coats, etc. will help reduce the possibility of ingestion or absorption of radioactive materials.
It's very important to understand how to protect your medical staff and patients when working around high frequency radiation and to be aware of ways to reduce the level of radiation exposure. It takes a team effort to successfully implement the ALARA principles. ALARA should be a routine element of your work in radiological areas.
External exposure is radiation that comes from somewhere outside the body and interacts with us. The source of radiation can be a piece of equipment that produces the radiation, like an x-ray machine, or it can be from radioactive materials in a container. The amount of external radiation exposure received is related to the distance from the source, the energy of the emitted radiation, the total amount of radioactive material present or the machine setting, and the time of exposure. Radiation workers can control and limit their exposure to penetrating radiation by taking advantage of time, distance, and shielding.
Reduce Time: By reducing the time of exposure to a radiation source, the dose to the worker is reduced in direct proportion with that time. Time directly influences the dose received: if you minimize the time spent near the source, the dose received is minimized. For example, if possible, interview a nuclear medicine patient before drug administration not after.
Increase distance: When appropriate, increase the distance between you and the radiation source (e.g., sealed source, x-ray tube). The exposure rate from a radiation source drops off by the inverse of the distance squared. For example, if a problem arises during a fluoroscopy procedure, stand on the image intensifier side of the C-arm if possible, or, when not assisting, step away from the patient if feasible.
Use shielding: The third exposure control is based on the proper radiation shields, automatic interlock devices, and in-place radiation monitoring instruments. Except for temporary or portable shields, protective drapes, lead or lead equivalent aprons, this type of control is usually built into the particular facility, such as concrete walls next to a radiation oncology accelerator. For portable x-ray devices, follow the vendor instructions.
In general, alpha, beta, gamma and x-ray radiation can be stopped by:
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