Radiation Biophysics Ionizing Radiations

The book is concerned with features analysis of radiation damage to living matter at different levels of its organisation, beginning from the molecular level. The general theory of the mechanisms of biological action of radiation based on four logically connected principles of radiation biology is presented for the first time. The book contains abundant material on primary and secondary processes of the response of living systems to radiation, the mechanisms of direct and indirect action of radiation through radiolysis of water and lipids; a detailed consideration of the theory of targets (DNA and biological membranes) and the problems of high- and low-dose irradiation in the context of present-day. The systemic response of the cell to irradiation (oxidative stress, endogenous background radioresistance, damage and repair of biological membranes and DNA, systemic protection against radiation) is approximated. Presentation of these important problems is preceded by an up-to-date evaluation of some aspects regarding dosimetry of ionising radiation.

This newly revised and updated edition of Radiation Biophysics provides an in-depth description of the physics and chemistry of radiation and its effects on biological systems. Coverage begins with fundamental concepts of the physics of radiation and radioactivity, then progresses through the chemistry and biology of the interaction of radiation with living systems. The Second Edition of this highly praised text includes major revisions which reflect the rapid advances in the field. New material covers recent developments in the fields of carcinogenesis, DNA repair, molecular genetics, and the molecular biology of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The book also includes extensive discussion of the practical impact of radiation on everyday life. Covers the fundamentals of radiation physics in a manner that is understandable to students and professionals with a limited physics background Includes problem sets and exercises to aid both teachers and students Discusses radioactivity, internally deposited radionuclides, and dosimetry Analyzes the risks for occupational and non-occupational workers exposed to radiation sources

The US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Radiation and Indoor Air asked the National Research Council to evaluate whether sufficient new data exist to warrant a reassessment of health risks reported in Health Effects of Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiations (BEIR V) in 1990. To respond to this request, the National Research Council assembled the Committee on Health Risks of Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiations. The work of the committee was conducted in what was called the BEIR VII phase-1 study. To assist the committee during its deliberations, various scientists were consulted for advice, and a workshop on the impact of biology on risk assessment was held in collaboration with the Department of Energy Office of Health and Environmental Research. The intent of the workshop was to address the implications of new understanding of the biologic basis of radiation injury and carcinogenesis for risk assessment.

A basic knowledge of physics, instrumentation, and radiobiology is essential for nuclear physicians and technologists in the practice of nuclear medicine. The nuclear medicine specialty has matured over the past three decades to the extent that there is an increasing need for certification of physicians and technologists to practice nuclear medicine. Each year many medical residents take the American Board of Nuclear Medicine examination and the Ameri can Board of Radiology examination with special competency in Nuclear Radiology, and many technologists take the Registry examination in Nuclear Medicine. All these tests include a good portion of physics, instrumenta tion, and radiobiology in nuclear medicine. It is mandatory that radiology residents pass the physics section of the American Board of Radiology examination. This book is primarily addressed to this audience. In addition, anyone in terested in the basics of physics, instrumentation, and radiobiology in nuclear medicine should find this book useful.

This account of sources of ionizing radiation and methods of radiation protection describes units of radiation protection, measurement techniques, biological effects, environmental radiation and many applications. Each chapter contains problems with solutions.