Why is X-ray fluorescence (XRF) preferred for inspections?

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is preferred for inspections primarily because it can provide immediate results in field settings. This capability is particularly valuable in environmental assessments, where timely decision-making is critical. With XRF, users can quickly analyze the elemental composition of materials, such as soil or debris, directly on-site, without the need for sending samples to a laboratory and waiting for analysis results. This immediate feedback allows for rapid responses to environmental conditions, enabling professionals to make informed choices about remediation and other actions swiftly.

The other options, while relevant to different contexts and technologies, do not capture the primary advantage of XRF. For instance, though XRF can be cost-effective, it is not universally cheaper than laboratory analyses, as prices can vary based on the specific methods and equipment used. Additionally, while XRF is designed to be user-friendly, it still requires a foundational understanding of the technology and its applications to operate effectively. Lastly, while XRF can be very accurate for certain analyses, other methods may provide higher precision or specificity depending on the context, making "accuracy" a less definitive factor in choosing XRF over other available methods.