When radioactive contamination is deposited on a surface, it is necessary to proceed with a series of operations to clean it, which are known as radioactive decontamination. Contaminated surfaces can be both objects and living beings.

Decontamination is done by washing or showering. Washing must be vigorous to ensure the elimination of the contaminating element, but not so vigorous as to open wounds that could allow the contaminant to enter the bloodstream.

The washing water must be subsequently treated as radioactive waste.

When the contamination is superficial, treatments include the removal of paint, or the first few centimeters of the surfaces of walls, floors and ceilings.

Among the decontamination options is chemical decontamination. This is carried out both in operating facilities and in their dismantling. In most cases the goal is to reduce radiation levels so that workers can remain nearby. In operating facilities, decontamination is not always carried out to unrestricted access levels, so that the deterioration of the decontaminated systems is minimized. In the case of decontamination for decommissioning, this concern does not exist, so more potent agents can be used.