Radioactive contamination

Radioactive contamination is the unwanted or unintended presence of radioactive materials on a surface, or within a liquid or gas.

Radioactive materials released into environment can cause air, water, soil, plants, buildings, people, or animals to become contaminated.

Contaminated persons have radioactive materials on or inside their body, or on their clothes.

External contamination occurs when radioactive material comes into contact with a person’s skin, hair, or clothing.

Internal contamination can occur if radioactive material is swallowed or inhaled. It can also occur when radioactive material enters the body through an open wound.