ALARA stands for:

• A. As Low As Reasonably Achievable
• B. Always Lower And Risk-Averse
• C. As Limited As Routine Allowance
• D. Auctioned Low As Regulated Amount

Answer: (A)

ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. It is the guiding principle in radiation safety that any exposure to ionizing radiation should be reduced to the lowest level that can be achieved through practical means, taking into account technology, economic factors, and social considerations. In practice, this means using shielding, reducing time near the source, and maximizing distance, while selecting procedures and PPE that lower dose without making the work infeasible. If further reductions are reasonably achievable without imposing undue burden, they should be implemented; if not, the rationale for not pursuing additional reductions is documented. The other options don’t reflect the established term or the balancing idea behind ALARA.