Leakage radiation is defined as any radiation that is:

Leakage radiation refers specifically to radiation that escapes from the protective housing or shielding of an x-ray tube or other radiographic equipment. This type of radiation is not part of the primary beam, which is the targeted radiation directed at the patient to achieve imaging or therapy outcomes. The primary beam is designed to focus energy on the area of interest, while leakage radiation arises from the equipment itself, often due to imperfections in the shielding or construction of the x-ray apparatus.

In a safe radiation environment, it is essential to minimize human exposure to leakage radiation, as this unwanted exposure can pose potential health risks to both patients and operators. Standards and regulations are set in place to limit the amount of leakage radiation emitted.

The other options pertain to different types of radiation. Radiation received from the patient could indicate scatter radiation, which is generated when the primary beam interacts with the body but is not considered leakage. Radiation received from the operator is more related to occupational exposure concerns and does not refer to leakage. Lastly, radiation from the secondary beam involves scatter and remnant radiation produced in the environment after the primary beam has interacted with the tissue, rather than being a direct result of any malfunction or inadequacy in the shielding of the radiographic equipment.