Radioactive contamination refers to the presence of radioactive materials in an otherwise uncontaminated area. The harmful effects of such contamination can range from environmental damage to serious health risks. There are several synonyms for radioactive contamination, such as radioactive pollution, radiological contamination, radiation contamination, and nuclear contamination. Each of these terms also denotes the presence of radioactive materials in an area where they should not exist. These synonyms are important for effectively communicating the dangers associated with exposure to radioactive materials, as well as for accurately describing the risks associated with nuclear power plants, nuclear waste storage facilities, and other sources of radiation.