(1) Removal of radioactive materials or radioactive objects within authorized practices from any further regulatory control by the regulatory body. Removal from control in this context refers to control applied for radiation protection purposes. Conceptually, clearance - freeing certain materials or objects in authorized practices from further control - is closely linked to, but distinct from and not to be confused with, exemption - determining that controls do not need to be applied to certain sources and practices. Various terms are used in different States to describe this concept, e.g. free release. A number of issues relating to the concept of clearance and its relationship to other concepts were resolved in Safety Standards Series No. RS-G-1.7. (2) The net effect of the biological processes by which radionuclides are removed from a tissue, organ or area of the body. The clearance rate is the rate at which this occurs