What is the most effective method for reducing exposure to beta particles?

To effectively reduce exposure to beta particles, the use of plastic or glass shielding is considered the most effective method. Beta particles are negatively charged electrons that can penetrate materials to a certain extent. However, they have limited penetrating power compared to other forms of radiation such as gamma rays.

Plastic and glass are effective materials for beta particle shielding because they are capable of stopping or significantly attenuating the energy of beta particles before they can reach a person. When beta particles collide with these materials, they lose their energy and can be absorbed, thus reducing the dose of radiation exposure to individuals in the vicinity.

Using metal shielding is less effective for beta particles because while metals may stop or absorb some beta radiation, they can also create secondary radiation through a phenomenon known as bremsstrahlung, where high-energy beta particles produce gamma rays when they interact with a heavy material like metal.

Increasing the time of exposure or removing distance barriers would lead to greater exposure rather than reducing it. Therefore, employing plastic or glass as a shielding method directly reduces the likelihood of beta particles reaching a person's body, making it the most effective choice in this context.