Tuesday, August 26, 2008

RADIATION CONTAMINATION

The energy emitted in the form of energy or particles from radioactive atoms is defined as radiation.

Radiation is energy, whereas radioactive contamination is a material.

Analogy:
radiation is like heat from a fire
contamination is like the ash and embers from the fire
airborne contamination is like smoke from the fire

Like heat from a fire, radiation can be intense, but when you leave the area, you leave the hazard behind. Like the ash, contamination can be carried out of the area with you.

No comments: