ALARA stands for which phrase?

• A. As Low As Radically Achievable
• B. As Low As Reasonably Achievable
• C. All Levels Are Radionuclide Allowed
• D. Allowable Levels Are Rapidly Adjusted

Answer: (B)

ALARA means keeping exposure to ionizing radiation as low as reasonably achievable. The “reasonably achievable” part means we minimize dose within practical limits—taking into account current technology, costs, and social factors—so protection is optimized without overburdening operations. This principle guides actions like increasing distance from sources, reducing time of exposure, using shielding, and applying administrative controls and monitoring to continually lower dose. The other phrasings don’t reflect the standard concept used in radiation protection, and would misstate the balance between protective effort and practicality.