ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Radioactive contamination

Radioactive contamination happens when materials and substances become combined with radioactive material, such as radioactive isotopes, that can emit harmful radiation. Radioactive materials are so tiny that we can't see them, but they can be very dangerous to our health.

Have you ever seen a poop in the toilet? Sometimes, the poop can be flushed away, but other times it can stick to the toilet bowl, right? Similar to that, radioactive materials can stick to things and make them contaminated. This can happen to soil, water, air, or even buildings and people.

When radioactive materials are released into the environment, they can spread and affect plants and animals. If people are exposed to radioactive materials, their bodies can become contaminated, causing health problems. It's like getting sick from eating bad food or touching something that has germs on it.

To protect ourselves from radioactive contamination, we need to take precautions, like wearing protective clothing, using special tools to handle contaminated materials, and following strict safety procedures. It's important to always be careful when dealing with radioactive materials, because even a small exposure can be harmful.