Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What method is appropriate for removing contamination from highly porous surfaces?

1. Wet mopping

2. Steam cleaning

3. Sand blasting

4. Damp wiping

The correct answer is: Sand blasting

In the context of removing contamination from highly porous surfaces, using a method like sand blasting can be effective. This technique utilizes abrasive materials propelled at high speeds to dislodge contaminants from the surface of the material. Its effectiveness is superior in dealing with deeply embedded particles within porous materials, as the force of the blasting action is able to reach into the crevices and effectively remove debris that would otherwise be challenging to eliminate. In contrast, other methods such as wet mopping and damp wiping are generally better suited for smoother, non-porous surfaces where contamination is more surface-level and can be easily wiped away. Steam cleaning, while beneficial for sanitation and killing germs, may not penetrate deeply enough into the porous areas to adequately remove all contaminants, which can lead to residual contamination if the porous material is not handled properly. Thus, for highly porous surfaces, abrasive techniques like sand blasting are deemed more appropriate for effective decontamination.