Which step is recommended for decontaminating skin that may be contaminated with radioactive materials?

Which step is recommended for decontaminating skin that may be contaminated with radioactive materials?

• A. Soap and water with mild friction.
• B. Wipe with a dry cloth only.
• C. Use strong solvents that may irritate skin.
• D. Avoid contact and leave it as is.

Answer: (A)

Decontaminating skin contaminated with radioactive materials relies on physically removing the contamination with soap and water and gentle rubbing. Soap helps dissolve and lift contaminants from the skin surface, and water flushes them away. Mild friction provides enough mechanical action to lift debris without injuring the skin, reducing both external contamination and the risk of uptake or transfer. Wiping with a dry cloth is not effective and can spread contamination across the skin or into the environment. Strong solvents can irritate or damage the skin and may increase absorption or transfer of radioactive material. Leaving it as is keeps the contaminant in contact with the skin and poses ongoing risk.

Decontaminating skin contaminated with radioactive materials relies on physically removing the contamination with soap and water and gentle rubbing. Soap helps dissolve and lift contaminants from the skin surface, and water flushes them away. Mild friction provides enough mechanical action to lift debris without injuring the skin, reducing both external contamination and the risk of uptake or transfer. Wiping with a dry cloth is not effective and can spread contamination across the skin or into the environment. Strong solvents can irritate or damage the skin and may increase absorption or transfer of radioactive material. Leaving it as is keeps the contaminant in contact with the skin and poses ongoing risk.