If radioactive iodine is being released KI will prevent reduce exposure to the thyroid. People who may be instructed to take KI are screened since allergic reactions are possible. Radioactive Contamination Controls Radioactive contamination is both an internal and external hazard. If contamination comes in contact with the skin there may be a very small exposure. Radiation exposure from an internal source is no different from radiation from an external source.
Exposure is exposure.
Radioactive contamination normally leaves the body through the elimination process of perspiration, urine, and feces. Personnel will be monitored if internal exposure is possible. The results of this monitoring will result in the internal exposure being calculated and becoming part of the person s exposure record. Personnel, vehicles, and other items are monitored with the hand held survey instrument on the right. This survey instrument usually reads out in counts per minute.