Does using shielding between yourself and the radiation source increase your dose?

Using shielding between yourself and a radiation source indeed does not increase your dose. In fact, the primary purpose of shielding is to reduce exposure to radiation by absorbing or deflecting the radiation before it reaches you. Materials used for shielding, such as lead, concrete, or specialized polymers, are effective at attenuating different types of radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, and beta particles.

When shielding is properly utilized, it mitigates the radiation intensity by preventing a certain amount from passing through, thereby decreasing the overall dose received by an individual. This principle is foundational in radiation protection practices and is crucial for ensuring the safety of individuals working in environments where radiation is present.

In some instances, specific scenarios or materials may lead to shielding being less effective or introducing secondary radiation, but in general terms, effective shielding serves to reduce, not increase, radiation exposure.