What is the primary objective of ALARA?

What is the primary objective of ALARA?

• A. Minimize radiation dose to workers and the public
• B. Maximize energy production
• C. Minimize shielding requirements
• D. Increase cooling efficiency

Answer: (A)

ALARA aims to keep radiation exposures as low as reasonably achievable. This means actively reducing doses to workers and the public by considering technology, economics, and social factors, and using engineering controls, administrative controls, time limits, distance, shielding, and protective equipment to minimize exposure while still allowing necessary work. It isn’t about maximizing production, nor about minimizing shielding or cooling just to save on materials—those choices must not raise radiation doses. The emphasis is on reducing dose to the lowest level that is reasonably achievable given the circumstances.

ALARA aims to keep radiation exposures as low as reasonably achievable. This means actively reducing doses to workers and the public by considering technology, economics, and social factors, and using engineering controls, administrative controls, time limits, distance, shielding, and protective equipment to minimize exposure while still allowing necessary work. It isn’t about maximizing production, nor about minimizing shielding or cooling just to save on materials—those choices must not raise radiation doses. The emphasis is on reducing dose to the lowest level that is reasonably achievable given the circumstances.