# A worker in a nuclear power plant is required to handle equipment that may have been exposed to radioactive dust. Explain why wearing gloves and a face mask reduces the risk from radioactive contamination but does not fully protect against irradiation.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.4.3 Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation (Phys only) · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Radioactive contamination involves radioactive atoms being transferred onto or into the body/skin/clothing
2. Gloves and a face mask act as a physical barrier, preventing radioactive atoms from reaching the skin or being inhaled, so reducing contamination
3. Irradiation is exposure to nuclear radiation emitted by a source; the object/person does not need to come into contact with the source
4. Penetrating radiation (such as gamma rays) can pass through the gloves and mask, so irradiation of the body still occurs

## Key terms

- [radioactive contamination](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/radioactive-contamination)
- [irradiation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/irradiation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-worker-in-a-nuclear-power-546dd0e7) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.