Which of the following statements about X-Rays is true?

The assertion that X-rays can be made safe by turning off the device is accurate because when an X-ray machine is powered down, it ceases to emit radiation. X-rays are produced by accelerating electrons and directing them towards a metal target, such as tungsten. When the machine is off, the electrons are not accelerated, and no X-rays are generated, thereby eliminating the risk of exposure. This safety measure is fundamental in radiation safety protocols, where ensuring that devices are properly powered down when not in use is crucial to preventing unnecessary radiation exposure.

In contrast, the other statements do not hold true within the context of established radiation safety and physics. Although X-rays can indeed cause harm, they are not inherently always harmful as they have beneficial applications in medical imaging under controlled circumstances. Additionally, X-rays are classified as ionizing radiation, not non-ionizing; this distinction is critical because ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, which can damage biological tissues. As for being naturally occurring, X-rays are primarily produced artificially in medical and industrial settings and are not typically found in natural environments, unlike other types of radiation such as alpha or beta particles from radioactive decay.