Which type of contamination consists of very small, highly radioactive particles that can exceed dose limits if they get on skin?

Which type of contamination consists of very small, highly radioactive particles that can exceed dose limits if they get on skin?

• A. Fixed Contamination
• B. Loose Contamination
• C. Discrete Radioactive Particle
• D. Frisker

Answer: (C)

A single, tiny, highly radioactive particle is the form of contamination described. When such a discrete particle lands on skin, the radiation is concentrated at that small spot, so the local skin dose can quickly exceed allowed limits before it’s removed. This differs from fixed contamination, which is stuck to a surface and unlikely to transfer to skin, and loose contamination, which is spread over a surface and can transfer more gradually but isn’t a single highly active particle. A frisker is just a handheld detector, not a type of contamination.

A single, tiny, highly radioactive particle is the form of contamination described. When such a discrete particle lands on skin, the radiation is concentrated at that small spot, so the local skin dose can quickly exceed allowed limits before it’s removed. This differs from fixed contamination, which is stuck to a surface and unlikely to transfer to skin, and loose contamination, which is spread over a surface and can transfer more gradually but isn’t a single highly active particle. A frisker is just a handheld detector, not a type of contamination.