What does "contamination" refer to in radiation safety?

In radiation safety, "contamination" refers specifically to the presence of radioactive material in an unwanted location. This could include radioactive particles or substances that have settled on surfaces, within the environment, or on individuals. Such contamination is a concern because it can lead to health hazards through direct exposure or potential ingestion or inhalation of radioactive materials.

Understanding contamination is crucial for controlling and mitigating risks associated with radioactive materials. Monitoring and decontamination processes are vital to ensure that areas are safe and that any radioactive material is removed from locations where it could pose a threat to health or safety.

This understanding is distinct from other concepts such as radiation exposure, which involves the effect of radiation on living tissue, and the idea of removing radioactive material, which refers to decontamination processes rather than the state of being contaminated.