What is a common method for radioactive materials to enter the body?

Radioactive materials can commonly enter the body through ingestion, particularly via food and beverages. This method is significant because many radioactive substances can contaminate water supplies, food sources, or agricultural products, allowing them to be ingested. Once inside the digestive system, these materials can be absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body, potentially causing harm to various organs and tissues.

Ingestion poses a considerable risk in scenarios involving environmental contamination, accidents at nuclear facilities, or improper disposal of radioactive waste. In contrast, while other methods such as direct injection or absorption through the skin are theoretically possible, they are much less common routes for radioactive materials entering the body compared to ingestion.