Environmental radiation survey instruments are designed to measure what?

Environmental radiation survey instruments are specifically designed to measure radioactive contamination. These instruments are crucial for assessing the presence and levels of radioactive materials in various environments, such as soil, air, water, and potentially contaminated surfaces. Their primary function is to identify and quantify radiation levels to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

These instruments can detect both alpha and beta particles, as well as gamma radiation, allowing them to assess contamination from various radioactive sources. This ability is essential for environmental monitoring, especially in areas affected by nuclear activities, accidents, or waste disposal.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of radiation and exposure. Measuring irradiated areas pertains to assessing radiation levels in spaces impacted by radiation sources rather than detecting contamination itself. Occupational exposure typically involves personal dosimetry to gauge exposure levels among workers in radiation-prone environments, rather than assessing environmental contamination. The output of an X-ray machine is a specific measurement relevant to the medical field, not broadly applicable to environmental surveys. Therefore, the focus of environmental radiation survey instruments on detecting radioactive contamination aligns them most closely with option B.