When considered in the context of a radiological emergency, what is the priority of contamination control?

In the context of a radiological emergency, prioritizing contamination control involves focusing on immediate actions to prevent the spread of radioactive materials, which is essential for both protecting human health and maintaining safety. The correct prioritization begins with containing contamination, as this is crucial to prevent further spread of radioactive materials to both people and the environment. Once containment is established, the next priority is to protect human life, which involves ensuring that emergency responders and the public are safeguarded from exposure to radiation. Finally, limiting exposure is important, but it follows after the initial steps of containment and protection are addressed. This sequence ensures that the most critical measures are taken first, minimizing health risks and potential harm during an emergency situation.

Other options present different orders of priority that do not align with the immediate need to control the spread of contamination effectively. For instance, protecting the environment, while important, becomes a secondary consideration after human health and immediate containment measures have been addressed in a radiological emergency.