What are the basic measures in radiation protection?

Shortening the time of exposure, increasing distance from a radiation source and shielding are the basic countermeasures (or protective measures) to reduce doses from external exposure.

Time

The less time that people are exposed to a radiation source, the less the absorbed dose.

Distance

The farther away that people are from a radiation source, the less the absorbed dose.

Shielding

Barriers of lead, concrete or water can stop radiation or reduce radiation intensity.

To reduce doses from intake of radioactive substances, the following basic countermeasures can be considered:

1. shortening time of exposure to contaminants;
2. preventing surface contamination;
3. preventing inhalation of radioactive materials in air; and
4. preventing ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs and drinking water.

Basic measures in radiation protection (Time and distance)
In picture, (1) represents time; (2) represents distance

Basic measures in radiation protection (Shielding)