Radioactivity

Radioactivity is the ability of a material to emit alpha, beta or gamma radiation.

Contamination hazard exists when radioactive substances are able to spread in the marine environment. Internal contamination can be inflicted through respiratory organs, the mouth, the skin, the mucous membrane and injuries. External contamination is inflicted when the radioactive material sticks to the body or to the clothing. This form of contamination is less dangerous than internal contamination and it can be made harmless with a good cleaning procedure. All radioactive substances are dangerous to a greater or lesser degree because they emit invisible radiation, which may damage body tissue.

Radioactive substances will bear the IMDG class 7 labels. Within class 7, three categories (I, II and III) are distinguished with increasing hazard with increasing numbers.