How can one minimize exposure to radiation in a laboratory setting?

Minimizing exposure to radiation in a laboratory setting is fundamentally about managing distance from the source of radiation. Increasing your distance from the radiation source reduces your overall exposure due to the inverse square law; as you move further away, the intensity of radiation decreases significantly.

Walking quickly past the lab while maintaining a greater distance allows for reduced time spent near the potential source of radiation, which is a critical factor in exposure. This approach aligns with safety principles in radiation protection, where maximizing distance is a primary method for radiation safety.

Other options may not effectively mitigate radiation exposure. For instance, simply running past or entering the lab briefly does not strategically address the issue of proximity, which can place individuals at risk of greater exposure. Additionally, wearing protective clothing is essential for protection but may not reduce exposure effectively if one is still in close proximity to the radiation source. In this context, increasing distance while minimizing time spent near the source is the most effective strategy for radiation safety.