Radiation hazards for the general public

If there is no contamination (spread of radioactive material), hazards are confined to doses received through exposure to the source of radiation (think of a person walking in the sunshine or past a light bulb; when they move away from the light into the shade they are no longer exposed). The hazard reduces quickly by increasing the distance away from the source.

With contamination, people can be exposed to radiation in the following ways; breathing in airborne radioactive materials, direct radiation from radioactive materials in the air or deposited on surfaces, ingestion of foodstuffs containing radioactive materials, and in some cases by direct absorption through skin or wounds.

When accidents involve contamination, it may be necessary to de-contaminate (remediate) the affected area.