In radiation protection, what principle minimizes dose to staff and patients?

The principle that minimizes dose to staff and patients encompasses all the factors mentioned: distance, duration, and shielding.

Distance is foundational in radiation protection; increasing the distance from a radiation source significantly reduces exposure, as radiation intensity diminishes with the square of the distance. This means that even small increases in distance can lead to substantial reductions in dose received.

Duration pertains to the amount of time individuals are exposed to a radiation source. The less time spent near the source, the lower the dose received. This is critical in environments where radiation exposure is an occupational hazard, reinforcing the importance of minimizing unnecessary time spent in radiative areas.

Shielding involves using barriers or materials that absorb or block radiation, thus providing protection to staff and patients. Different materials are effective against different types of radiation; for instance, lead is commonly used to shield against X-rays and gamma rays.

Together, these three principles—distance, duration, and shielding—form a comprehensive approach to radiation safety, effectively minimizing exposure and thereby protecting both staff and patients from potentially harmful doses of radiation.