United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Protecting People and the Environment
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Radioactive contamination

Undesirable radioactive material (with a potentially harmful effect) that is either airborne or deposited in (or on the surface of) structures, objects, soil, water, or living organisms (people, animals, or plants) in a concentration that may harm people, equipment, or the environment.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Thursday, March 29, 2012