What is the main goal of radiation safety protocols?

The main goal of radiation safety protocols is to protect individuals from harmful exposure to radiation. These protocols are designed to minimize the risk of both short-term and long-term health effects that can arise from radiation exposure, ensuring that individuals working with or around radioactive materials maintain a safe environment. This involves appropriately managing, controlling, and monitoring radiation sources to keep exposure levels as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA principle).

While ensuring compliance with legal standards and restricting access to radiation sources are important aspects of radiation safety, they serve as means to achieve the broader objective of protecting health. Lowering costs associated with radiation use, while a consideration in industry operations, does not align with the primary goal, which centers on safeguarding individuals from the potential dangers of radiation exposure.