In the context of ionising radiation protection, the concept of 'ALARA' specifically implies that radiation exposure should be:

• A Kept below the annual dose limit of 20 mSv for occupational workers
• B Limited by distance, shielding, and time as the only protective measures
• C Stopped entirely whenever the exposure exceeds 1 mSv per procedure
• D Reduced as far as reasonably achievable, taking social and economic factors into account ✓

Explanation

ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) is an ICRP radiation protection principle (alongside justification and optimisation) that requires doses to be minimised taking into account social and economic factors — not just technical feasibility. It acknowledges that zero radiation exposure is impractical in medical and industrial settings, so the acceptable minimum balances radiation risk reduction with practical constraints. The annual dose limit for occupational workers (20 mSv averaged over 5 years) is the legal maximum, not the ALARA target, which aims below this limit.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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