Can nuclear radiation spread from person to person?

Under normal circumstances, nuclear radiation itself does not spread directly from person to person like an infectious disease. If concerned, it is recommended to promptly learn about radiation protection. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Nuclear radiation refers to high-energy particles or electromagnetic waves emitted by radioactive materials, which can harm living organisms through air, water, or direct contact. Its transmission depends on the presence of radioactive substances; without contact with contaminated sources—such as irradiated objects, locations, or radioactive residue on a person's body surface—exposure will not occur simply by interacting with healthy individuals. For example, normal social interaction with patients who have undergone radioactive treatment does not pose a radiation risk.

If proper decontamination is not performed after exposure to radioactive materials, residual contamination may be transferred to others. For instance, failure to change contaminated clothing or remove radioactive particles from the skin could lead to indirect exposure in others who come into contact. However, this situation essentially involves the transfer of contamination, not "infection" between people.

To stay safe, avoid contact with unknown radioactive items and stay away from areas near nuclear facilities where abnormalities occur. If radiation exposure is suspected, immediately change clothes, wash the skin thoroughly, and seek medical attention promptly for radiation dose testing and assessment.