Final answer:
The three cardinal rules of radiation protection are to minimize time spent in radiation environments, maximize distance from radiation sources, and use adequate shielding to protect against exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three cardinal rules of radiation protection aim to minimize exposure and protect people from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. These rules are:
- Minimize time - Keep the minimum possible time in the radiation environment, as lesser time means less exposure.
- Maximize distance - Keep as much distance from the radiation source as possible, since radiation intensity drops inversely proportional to the square of the distance.
- Use shielding - Keep shielding between yourself and the source of radiation as much as possible, as the more the shielding, the less the exposure.
Workers in radiation environments often wear heavy clothes, gloves, and lab coats for additional protection, and radioactive materials are stored in shielded containers. By following these guidelines, people can significantly reduce their risk of harmful radiation exposure.