What is the primary purpose of radiation safety protocols?

The primary purpose of radiation safety protocols is to limit exposure to radiation and protect health. Radiation can have detrimental effects on living tissues and can lead to both immediate and long-term health risks, including cancer. This is why stringent safety protocols and guidelines are established. These protocols include methods for monitoring radiation levels, implementing protective measures for workers and the public, and ensuring appropriate training on the safe handling of radioactive materials.

While enhancing the effectiveness of medical treatments, reducing costs, or increasing the speed of research experiments may be important considerations in specific contexts, they are secondary to the overarching goal of safeguarding health from the harmful effects of excessive radiation exposure. The focus on health protection ensures that the benefits of radiation use, such as in medical imaging or therapeutic treatments, can be realized without compromising safety.