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aquitaine
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Lets say somehow something or someplace gets contaminated with radioactive waste, how is it decontaminated?
Normally it would be a wash or chemical treatment, or it could be an abrasive process, and the solution would be passed through filters to collect and concentrate the radioactive material. Alternatively, the contaminated area or part could be simply removed from that which is not contaminated. The radioactive material would be collected and shipped to a site where radioactive material is buried.aquitaine said:Lets say somehow something or someplace gets contaminated with radioactive waste, how is it decontaminated?
aquitaine said:Lets say somehow something or someplace gets contaminated with radioactive waste, how is it decontaminated?
Astronuc said:Normally it would be a wash or chemical treatment, or it could be an abrasive process, and the solution would be passed through filters to collect and concentrate the radioactive material. Alternatively, the contaminated area or part could be simply removed from that which is not contaminated. The radioactive material would be collected and shipped to a site where radioactive material is buried.
The process used depends on the nature of the contamination.
aquitaine said:So if a dirty bomb went off that contaminated part of an urban area they would wash it down? Interesting, thanks.
Radioactive decontamination is the process of removing or reducing radioactive materials from a contaminated area or object. This is done to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.
The specific methods used for radioactive decontamination can vary depending on the type of contamination and the affected area. Some common techniques include physical removal through scrubbing or scraping, chemical treatments, and radiation-based methods such as ion exchange or irradiation.
Radioactive decontamination is typically performed by trained and qualified professionals, such as nuclear scientists, engineers, and technicians. These individuals have the knowledge and expertise to safely handle and remove radioactive materials.
The main risk associated with radioactive decontamination is exposure to radiation. This can be minimized by following proper safety protocols and using appropriate protective equipment. There is also a risk of spreading contamination if the decontamination process is not performed correctly or if proper disposal methods are not followed.
The duration of radioactive decontamination can vary depending on the type and extent of contamination, as well as the methods used for decontamination. Some small-scale decontamination processes can be completed in a matter of hours, while larger and more complex decontamination projects may take weeks or even months.