Which hypothesis is based on the principle that radiation should be kept ALARA?

The rationale for choosing the linear hypothesis relates to its foundational principle in radiation protection that any dose of radiation, no matter how small, carries a risk of producing an effect, such as cancer. This aligns with the ALARA principle, which stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable." The goal of ALARA is to minimize radiation exposure while still achieving the necessary clinical objectives.

In the linear hypothesis, the relationship between dose and effect is direct and proportional, indicating that increased exposure correlates with increased risk. This means that to adhere to the ALARA principle, healthcare providers and radiologic technologists must strive to keep radiation doses as low as possible while maintaining diagnostic efficacy. This hypothesis is crucial in the field of medical imaging and radiation therapy, where understanding and mitigating risks associated with radiation exposure is essential for patient safety.

The other hypotheses suggest different relationships between dose and effect but do not directly support the ALARA principle to the same extent as the linear hypothesis.