Which radiation is referred to as leakage radiation?

Leakage radiation is defined as the radiation that exits the x-ray housing and is not directed toward the patient or the image receptor. This type of radiation is a concern in radiology because it represents excess radiation exposure that can potentially affect the safety of personnel and patients in the vicinity of the x-ray equipment.

In well-designed x-ray systems, measures are put in place to minimize leakage radiation, ensuring that it falls within acceptable limits outlined by regulatory standards. This is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.

The other options refer to different phenomena: radiation passing through the target is part of the x-ray production process, radiation absorbed by the patient pertains to the diagnostic procedure itself, and radiation from humidity in the air is not a recognized category of radiation relevant to x-ray systems. Thus, the correct designation of leakage radiation is specifically tied to the radiation that escapes from the x-ray housing.