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Exposure Alpha, beta and gamma radiation is emitted by radioactive sources which may be:
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A person who stays close to a source of radiation is subjected to external exposure. External exposure is essentially due to gamma radiation which cannot be stopped either by clothes or by the skin.
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  If this person inhales contaminated air or ingests contaminated food or water, his body is said to have suffered internal exposure (or contamination). Internal exposure may involve any type of radiation as the body contains no natural shield to stop either alpha or beta radiation.
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  If the source is in direct contact with the skin, this is known as external contamination.
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