Answer to Question #6573 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Good question!  I spent eight years in Naval Nuclear Power (although on a submarine), so I think I should be able to help out a bit. 

I have to admit to being somewhat biased, but I think that most radiation safety professionals (in the military and out) will acknowledge that the Navy has one of the best radiation safety programs in the world. I can assure you, based on my personal experience, that you are not at risk from visiting your neighbor—the routine radiation surveys we performed were enough to make sure that there just isn't a chance of bringing radioactive contamination home. In fact, in all my time in the Navy (plus keeping in touch with friends after I got out), I never heard of anyone who ended up with potentially dangerous levels of radioactivity on their clothes or in their homes.
 
One thing to keep in mind, too, is that we can detect incredibly small levels of radiation and radioactivity—far lower than what can cause any problems. It's the equivalent of being able to see a single grain of sand, even though it takes a rather large rock before you have to start worrying about the risk.
 
P. Andrew Karam, PhD, CHP