https://phys.org/news/2018-07-novichok-radioactive-poisons-decontamination.html > But how are nerve agents different from radioactive materials and what does that mean for how we clean up and treat victims after these incidents? > Atoms in radioactive materials have unstable nuclei, meaning they can split up (decay to a stable state) by giving off nuclear radiation. Some types of radiation are harmful only if the substance is inhaled or ingested, while other types can penetrate and damage human tissue even if the material is external to the body.