What is meant by “contamination” in radiation safety?

In the context of radiation safety, “contamination” refers specifically to the presence of radioactive materials on surfaces or within the environment. This definition is crucial because contamination can lead to unintended exposure to radiation by spreading radioactive isotopes beyond controlled areas. It is important to distinguish this from other concepts in radiation safety, such as radiation decay, which is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. Additionally, while leakage of radiation from containment is a significant concern, it relates more to containment integrity than to contamination itself. Lastly, the radiological assessment of personnel refers to monitoring and evaluating individuals who may have been exposed to radiation, which is a different aspect of radiation safety management. Understanding that contamination involves the physical presence of radioactive substances helps in implementing effective safety protocols to prevent and address potential radiation hazards.