Immediate danger to life: call 999 or 112.

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Removing radioactive contamination from clothing and skin

Sources checked 13 October 2026

Action summary

  1. Stay near your entry or washing area rather than spreading possible contamination around the building.
  2. Carefully take off outer clothing and shoes. Avoid shaking clothing or touching its outer surface.
  3. Put these items and the face covering in a plastic bag or another sealable container.
  4. Shower using warm water, soap and ordinary shampoo if available.
  5. Wash gently. Do not scrub skin or wounds.
  6. Seal used wipes or cloths away from people. Put on clean clothes stored indoors.

Get inside first. Cleaning removes radioactive material from your body and clothes; it cannot undo radiation exposure already received. Being exposed to radiation does not automatically mean a person is contaminated or dangerous to touch.

Follow the UKHSA sequence

  1. Stay near your entry or washing area rather than spreading possible contamination around the building. Put on an immediately available clean face covering if you have one.
  2. Carefully take off outer clothing and shoes. Avoid shaking clothing or touching its outer surface. Avoid pulling contaminated items over your face; cut them off if necessary and feasible.
  3. Put these items and the face covering in a plastic bag or another sealable container. Seal it and keep it away from people and pets.
  4. Shower using warm water, soap and ordinary shampoo if available. Do not use hair conditioner. Keep eyes and mouth closed while washing your head.
  5. Wash gently. Do not scrub skin or wounds. If you cannot shower, wash exposed areas at a sink; if that is unavailable, use a damp cloth or moist wipe.
  6. Seal used wipes or cloths away from people. Put on clean clothes stored indoors.

UKHSA reports that removing outer clothing can remove up to about 90% of radioactive material. That does not mean it removes 90% of the dose already received or makes someone completely free of contamination.

Mains water is normally suitable for radiation decontamination under UKHSA guidance. Follow any separate local instruction if there is also chemical contamination or a restriction on using the water. Do not confuse permission to wash with permission to drink.

Helping someone else: Use waterproof gloves and a face covering if available, cover your cuts, and wash your exposed areas again afterwards. Protect privacy and keep people warm. Do not separate a child from a necessary carer simply because contamination is suspected. Tell responders if you cannot clean safely or have a serious injury.

Pets: Bring pets already with you indoors. If contaminated, wash them using soap or shampoo and water when safe. Keep them away from household members until cleaned if cleaning is not possible. Do not go outdoors to search for a missing pet during a sheltering instruction.

Sources

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