The deposit, absorption, or adsorption of radioactive material on or by structures, areas, personnel, or objects is called?

• A. Contamination
• B. Decontamination
• C. Radiation
• D. Pollution

Answer: (A)

Contamination occurs when radioactive material is deposited on or absorbed by surfaces, areas, personnel, or objects. This covers both external contamination on surfaces and internal contamination from uptake into the body. It specifically describes the presence of radioactive material where it should not be, which is different from radiation, the energy emitted by the material, and from decontamination, the process used to remove contamination. Pollution is a broader environmental term, not limited to radioactive substances. Understanding contamination helps explain why monitoring and cleanup are essential to reduce internal and external dose.