Contamination vs Exposure
Radioactive contamination and radiation exposure could occur if radioactive materials are released into the environment due to an accident, an event in nature, or an act of terrorism.
Such a release could expose people and contaminate their surroundings and personal property.
Internal Contamination
Radioactive contamination and radiation exposure could occur if radioactive materials are released into the environment due to an accident, an event in nature, or an act of terrorism. Such a release could expose people and contaminate their surroundings and personal property.
External Contamination
External contamination occurs when radioactive material, in the form of dust, powder, or liquid, encounters a person's skin, hair, or clothing. In other words, the contact is external to a person's body. People who are externally contaminated can become internally contaminated if radioactive material gets into their bodies.
Radiation Exposure
Radioactive materials give off a form of energy that travels in waves or particles. This energy is called radiation. When a person is exposed to radiation, the energy penetrates the body. For example, when a person has an x-ray, he or she is exposed to radiation.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-7. _____ occurs when people swallow or breathe in radioactive materials.
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