ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a method of protection from ionizing radiation?

1. Distancing from the radiation source

2. Utilizing dense materials

3. Covering with simple cloth

4. Limiting exposure time

The correct answer is: Covering with simple cloth

The correct answer, which identifies the method that is not effective for protection from ionizing radiation, is that covering with simple cloth does not provide a meaningful barrier against radiation. Ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, has a high energy level capable of penetrating various materials. Simple cloth lacks the density and atomic number necessary to attenuate or absorb significant amounts of radiation, making it an inadequate means of protection. In contrast, distancing from the radiation source effectively reduces exposure because radiation intensity diminishes with increased distance following the inverse square law. Utilizing dense materials, such as lead, provides protection by absorbing or shielding radiation, as denser materials are more effective in attenuating high-energy particles. Limiting exposure time reduces the total dose received, thereby decreasing potential harm from radiation exposure. Each of these methods relies on the fundamental principles of radiation protection, which include time, distance, and shielding, while the use of simple cloth does not align with these principles.