Which of the following are the three cardinal principles of radiation protection?

The three cardinal principles of radiation protection are Time, Distance, and Shielding. These principles are foundational in minimizing exposure to ionizing radiation, which is essential for safety in environments where radiation may be present, such as medical facilities and industrial settings.

Time refers to reducing the duration of exposure to radiation. The less time spent in a radiation area, the lower the dose received.

Distance is the principle that states that increasing the distance from the source of radiation significantly reduces exposure. The intensity of radiation decreases with distance, following the inverse square law, which means that doubling the distance from a radiation source will reduce the exposure to one-quarter.

Shielding involves the use of materials to block or reduce radiation, thereby protecting individuals. Different types of radiation (such as alpha, beta, and gamma) require different shielding materials, which can be made of lead, concrete, or other substances depending on the type and intensity of radiation.

These principles work together to provide a comprehensive strategy for protecting individuals from unnecessary exposure to radiation while still allowing for necessary diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to be conducted safely.