Which type of contamination can be on clothing and become airborne by sweeping?

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

Answer: (D)

Contamination is described by how firmly the material is attached. Loose contamination is not fixed to a surface, so it can be easily dislodged and become airborne when disturbed. On clothing, particles that aren’t tightly bound can be shed when you sweep or brush, releasing radioactive material into the air you breathe or spreading it to new areas. That’s why this option fits best—the material can become airborne simply by sweeping. Fixed contamination stays attached and wouldn’t normally become air-borne from sweeping, and a discrete radioactive particle is just a single particle—though it could be moved, the common safety classification emphasizes the easy release of loose contamination.