How is a "radiological incident" defined?

A "radiological incident" is defined as an occurrence leading to unintentional exposure to radiation. This definition encompasses a variety of scenarios where individuals or the environment may be inadvertently exposed to radiation, be it from a malfunctioning device, a containment breach, or the improper handling of radioactive materials. Understanding the nature of radiological incidents is crucial for implementing effective safety protocols and response strategies to mitigate potential harm.

While intentional releases of radiation might occur, they do not qualify as incidents in the same context since they are planned and controlled scenarios rather than accidental exposures. Scheduled analyses of radiation levels and events designed to enhance safety awareness are also not incidents, as they do not involve an exposure event or an unexpected occurrence that impacts health or safety.