When should decontamination of a radioactive spill occur?

The appropriate timing for decontamination of a radioactive spill is critical, especially in a scenario where life-saving measures might also be necessary. The correct approach is to focus on decontaminating from most contaminated to least contaminated areas.

This method ensures that the most hazardous exposure is addressed first, minimizing the risk of spreading contamination to less affected areas or to individuals who might be in the vicinity. It is an essential protocol in radiological response to contain the spread of contamination effectively and protect both responders and affected individuals from additional exposure.

Decontaminating from least contaminated to most contaminated areas would increase the risk of spreading the contamination rather than containing it. Additionally, trying to perform decontamination only after isotope decay is impractical, as it is important to manage contamination promptly to protect health and safety. This approach highlights the need for immediate action in controlling radioactive spills, focusing on the most contaminated areas to contain any risk effectively.