The core objective is to minimize radiation exposure to workers, the public, and the environment, employing all reasonable methods. This is not simply about staying below regulatory limits; it requires a proactive approach to keep exposures as low as reasonably achievable, economic and social factors being taken into account. An example includes using shielding during medical imaging procedures to reduce a patient’s radiation dose, even if the dose is already within permissible levels.
Its importance lies in protecting individuals from the potential harmful effects of radiation, such as increased risk of cancer and genetic mutations. It provides a framework for optimizing radiation protection practices across various fields, including medicine, nuclear energy, and industrial radiography. This principle emerged from recommendations of international radiation protection organizations and has been adopted into national regulations worldwide, emphasizing a continuous improvement approach to radiation safety.
