What precaution should be taken when working near sources of ionizing radiation?

Maintaining a safe distance from the source of ionizing radiation is crucial for minimizing exposure and protecting one’s health. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, which can lead to cellular damage and increase the risk of cancer and other health issues. By increasing the distance from the source, the intensity of radiation exposure decreases significantly due to the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source.

In contrast, wearing sunglasses does not provide effective protection against ionizing radiation, as they are not designed to shield against such energy levels. Increasing the amount of time spent near a radiation source amplifies the dose received, which is contrary to safety protocols. Conducting experiments regularly near the source without proper safety precautions elevates the risk of adverse health effects due to prolonged exposure to harmful radiation. Thus, maintaining a safe distance is the most effective precaution to take when working around these potentially hazardous sources.