What type of container is used to ship materials of low radioactivity?

• A. Open-topped
• B. Strong, tight
• C. Flexible, lightweight
• D. Double-walled

Answer: (B)

Packaging for radioactive materials hinges on containment: the container must be sturdy and sealed to prevent leaks during transport. For materials with low radioactivity, the best choice is a strong, tight container because the rigid outer shell resists damage and the tight closure prevents leakage if the package is jostled, dropped, or subjected to pressure during handling and transit. Open-topped containers can’t be sealed, so they aren’t suitable for transport. Flexible, lightweight containers may fail under rough handling and don’t guarantee containment. Double-walled packaging provides extra shielding or insulation, but it isn’t necessary for low radioactivity shipments where the primary concern is preventing release; a strong, tight container satisfies that requirement most directly.