What is the primary aim of radiation protection?

The primary aim of radiation protection is to prevent the occurrence of deterministic effects and reduce the incidence of stochastic effects. Deterministic effects refer to health effects that increase in severity with greater doses of radiation, and they often occur above a certain threshold dose. Examples include skin burns or radiation sickness. Stochastic effects, on the other hand, are random occurrences, such as cancer or genetic mutations, which can happen without a known threshold of exposure and become more likely with increasing doses.

By focusing on the prevention of deterministic effects and the reduction of stochastic effects, radiation protection strategies aim to safeguard individuals and populations from adverse health outcomes due to radiation exposure. This involves implementing safety protocols, using protective equipment, and adhering to established dosimetry limits to minimize risks associated with exposure.

Eliminating all radiation exposure is impractical because certain levels of radiation are naturally present in the environment and some medical techniques require radiation in order to be effective. Increasing public awareness of radiation is beneficial but it is not the primary aim of radiation protection itself. Standardizing radiation equipment plays an important role in ensuring safety and efficiency, but it is more of a functional aspect rather than the overarching goal of radiation protection.