Which type of contamination is primarily associated with becoming airborne due to activities such as welding or grinding?

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

Answer: (D)

Airborne release happens when surface contaminants are disturbed and particles get into the air. Fixed contamination is contamination that is bound to a surface and not easily wiped away under normal conditions. When you perform actions like welding or grinding, the surface is actively abraded and disturbed, which can dislodge particles that were fixed to the surface. The disturbance converts surface-bound material into airborne particles, making fixed contamination the type most associated with becoming airborne during these activities. This is why control measures focus on preventing air release during such work—using ventilation, dampening methods, and thorough cleaning to remove the material after the work is done.