What is the best storage area for X-rays to ensure their integrity?

Choosing a lead box as the storage area for X-rays is ideal because it provides protection from physical damage and helps to ensure the integrity of the sensitive film or digital media. Lead is used in radiation protection due to its density and effectiveness in shielding against radiation, making it suitable for storing X-ray films.

By placing X-rays in a lead box, you reduce the risk of exposure to harmful radiation, which can degrade the films over time. Additionally, a lead box can protect X-rays from environmental factors such as moisture, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure, all of which can adversely affect the quality of the images and the information they contain.

The other storage options do not provide the same level of protection. A cardboard box might be more susceptible to damage from moisture and physical impacts. Similarly, a metal cabinet, while sturdy, does not offer the same radiation protection as a lead box. A wooden drawer also does not provide adequate barriers against moisture and radiation, making it less ideal for preserving the integrity of X-ray images.