Ingestion Exposure

Radioactive material from a radioactive plume may be ingested by a human from a variety of pathways. For example, radioactive particles deposited on the ground may be eaten by grazing cattle whose meat or milk is consumed by humans.

The public should pay attention to official warnings to prevent this sort of exposure. In addition, state and local officials will conduct tests to determine if there are problems with local food, water, or milk supplies.

Graphic showing the ingestion pathway of milk as an example. Radiation contaminates grass, which is eaten by a cow. The radiation passes into the milk, which is then drunk by people.