Which of the following is NOT a method to reduce radiation exposure?

Increasing the time spent near a radiation source is indeed a method that would lead to greater radiation exposure. According to the principles of radiation protection, one of the key strategies for minimizing exposure is to reduce the amount of time spent in proximity to the radiation source. This principle is foundational in radiological safety practices; the longer an individual remains near a source of radiation, the greater the cumulative dose of radiation they will receive.

In contrast, maintaining distance from the source helps decrease exposure due to the inverse square law, which states that the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source. Similarly, utilizing shielding materials effectively absorbs or blocks radiation, reducing the amount that reaches the individual. Taking regular exposure readings is an important practice for monitoring and assessing radiation levels, allowing workers to make informed decisions about their safety, but it does not actively reduce exposure itself. Thus, recognizing that increasing time near a radiation source is contrary to the goal of radiation protection clarifies why it is not a valid method for reducing exposure.