This unique book provides an accessible introduction to both the
scientific background and the key people involved in the discovery and
use of radiation and radioactivity. It begins by providing a short
history of radiation exposures and radiation poisoning; from the early
inappropriate use of X-rays and radium cures through the misadventures
of the Manhattan Project and the Chernobyl disaster, to the high-profile
and deliberate poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in London with
polonium-210, which gave rise to worldwide media attention.
The chapters provide a catalogue of deliberate criminal acts,
unfortunate accidents, and inadvertent radiation exposures, exploring
well-known events in detail, as well as some not so well-known
occurrences. It works through the topics by focusing on human stories
and events and their biological impact. In addition, it covers
descriptions of the beneficial uses of radiation and radioactivity.
This book can be enjoyed by any reader with a general interest in
science, as well as by students and professionals within the scientific
and medical communities.
Key features
- Authored by a subject area specialist who has worked in both clinical
practice and academia and was involved with the national media
following incidents of national and international importance
- Provides a unique human perspective into well-known and some lesser
known events and a concise history of the discovery of radiation and
the events that followed
- Adds scientific and medical background to a subject of high media
interest
