Which of the following is NOT a method of radiation protection?

Increasing exposure time is not a method of radiation protection because it directly correlates with increased radiation dose to the patient and the healthcare provider. The principles of radiation protection—time, distance, and shielding—are fundamental in minimizing exposure. By decreasing time spent near a radiation source, the total dose of radiation received decreases. Increasing distance from the source of radiation reduces exposure according to the inverse square law, which states that intensity decreases with the square of the distance from the source. Additionally, using shielding materials can effectively absorb or block radiation, thus protecting both the operator and the patient. Therefore, increasing exposure time contradicts the goal of minimizing radiation exposure, making it the only option that does not contribute to effective radiation protection.