What ensures that the film does not become fogged during radiation exposure?

The use of lead foil is critical in preventing film fog during radiation exposure. Lead foil is typically included in film packets to serve as a barrier against scattered radiation. When x-rays or other forms of radiation strike the film, the lead absorbs a significant amount of this stray radiation, which helps to maintain the clarity and quality of the image captured on the film. Consequently, this protective layer is vital for ensuring that the film is only exposed to the intended radiation, resulting in a clear image free from unwanted fogging, which can degrade the diagnostic quality.

While proper storage conditions and protective coatings can contribute to overall film integrity and minimize degradation, they do not directly address the issue of fogging due to radiation exposure. Halving exposure times might reduce the total exposure but could also lead to underexposure, impacting image quality rather than preventing fog.