Radioactive contamination

Radioactive Contamination

Radioactive contamination, also known as radiological contamination, is the deposition of, or presence of radioactive substances on surfaces or within solids, liquids or gases (including the human body), where their presence is unintended or undesirable (ICRP definition).

Pronunciation

Radioactive Contamination: /ˌreɪdioʊˈæktɪv kənˌtæmɪˈneɪʃən/

Etymology

The term "Radioactive" originates from the word "Radioactivity", which was coined by Marie Curie in 1898, from the Latin "radius" meaning "ray" and "activity". "Contamination" comes from the Latin "contaminare" meaning "to make impure", first used in English in the 15th century.

Related Terms

• Radioactivity
• Radiation
• Nuclear Fission
• Ionizing Radiation
• Radiation Protection
• Radiation Poisoning

Description

Radioactive contamination is typically the result of a spill or accident during the production or use of radionuclides (radioactive isotopes), which are used in various settings, including research, mining, medical and nuclear power generation. The contamination of humans can lead to radiation poisoning, which can be fatal.

Radioactive substances can contaminate surfaces, air, water, and soil. The level of danger posed by the contamination depends on the nature of the radioactive substance, the extent of contamination, and the situation (e.g., whether it is inside or outside, whether people are exposed, etc.).

Prevention and Decontamination

Prevention of radioactive contamination involves a combination of protective measures, including the use of protective clothing, containment of radioactive substances, and the use of radiation detection devices. Decontamination can be achieved through a variety of methods, including the removal of contaminated material, the application of chemicals that neutralize the radioactivity, and the use of filters to remove radioactive particles from the air.

See Also

• Nuclear Accident
• Radiation Therapy
• Radiation Sickness
• Nuclear Power Plant

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Radioactive contamination
• Wikipedia's article - Radioactive contamination

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