Environmental radioactivity refers to the presence of radioactive materials in the environment. These materials can enter the environment through natural processes or as a result of human activities such as nuclear power generation or nuclear weapons testing. Synonyms for environmental radioactivity include nuclear contamination, radioactive contamination, and radiological contamination. Each term emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the phenomenon, with nuclear contamination emphasizing the source of the radiation, radioactive contamination referring to the radioactive nature of the materials, and radiological contamination focusing on the potential health impacts. Whatever term is used, efforts to monitor, control, and mitigate environmental radioactivity remain a critical aspect of environmental protection and public health.