ALARA - As Low As Reasonably Achievable

To do this, you can use three basic protective measures in radiation safety: time, distance, and shielding.


minimize time


For an example of minimizing time, click here


maximize distance


For an example of maximizing distance, click here


use shielding


For an example of using shielding, click here

Time, Distance, and Shielding: Three Principles That Work Together
Image of patient having x-ray with technician behind barrier

You can see how these principles work together when you have an x-ray at your doctor’s office or clinic. The radiation technician goes behind a barrier while taking the x-ray image to protect them from the repeated daily exposure to radiation.

In the case of a radiation emergency, you can use time, distance, and shielding to protect yourself and your family.


person sheltering inside of building

If a radiation emergency happens, one of the best things you can do is get inside a stable building as quickly as possible.


How long you need to stay inside will depend on the incident and the amount of damage to critical infrastructure, like roads and bridges. Once roads and bridges are cleared, emergency officials may instruct you to leave the area.


person sheltering in basement

If you are in a multistory building, move to the center floors.

If you are in a single story building, stay in the center away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.

You can also take shelter in a basement.

Using Personal Protective Equipment

If you are a first responder or radiation worker, you have personal protective equipment you can use to minimize your exposure.

  • Respirators will help protect from inhalation hazards.
  • Protective clothing helps keep radioactive material off of skin and hair.
  • Alarming dosimeters help manage stay time and track your accumulated doses in an area with elevated radiation levels.

If radioactive material gets on to skin, clothing, or hair, it is important to get it off as quickly as possible.

For information on decontaminating yourself, click here


Anybody who works with radiation should work with their safety officers and radiation safety professionals to determine what personal protective equipment, or PPE, and instrumentation they need to stay safe on the job.

ALARA Examples

Imagine spending the day at the beach.

image of seashore with palm trees and blue sky

If you stay in the sun the entire day, you will likely get sunburned.

sunburned foot

If are you are there for just a short period of time, you are less likely to get sunburned. The amount of time you are there makes a difference.

stopwatch in the sand

Imagine sitting very close to a fireplace.  You can feel the heat and may even be uncomfortable.

fireplace with burning logs

If you go to the other side of the room, you would be more comfortable. So as you move away, the intensity decreases. 

man and woman sitting in front of fireplace with burning logs

Alpha particles can be shielded with something as thin as a sheet of paper, or our outer layer of dead skin cells.

illustration of alpha particles blocked by sheet of paper

Beta particles can be shielded effectively with a few inches of plastic, or a layer of clothing.

illustration of beta particles shielded by plastic

Gamma rays can be shielded effectively by adding a few inches of lead or other dense substance between you and the source of radiation.

illustration of gamma rays being blocked by lead

Page last reviewed: December 7, 2015