Atoms, Radiation, and Radiation Protection

Atoms, Radiation, and Radiation Protection offers professionals and advanced students a comprehensive coverage of the major concepts that underlie the origins and transport of ionizing radiation in matter. Understanding atomic structure and the physical mechanisms of radiation interactions is the foundation on which much of the current practice of radiological health protection is based. The work covers the detection and measurement of radiation and the statistical interpretation of the data. The procedures that are used to protect man and the environment from the potential harmful effects of radiation are thoroughly described. Basic principles are illustrated with an abundance of worked examples that exemplify practical applications. Chapters include problem sets (with partial answers) and extensive tables and graphs for continued use as a reference work. This completely revised and enlarged third edition includes thorough updates of the material, including the latest recommendations of the ICRP and NCRP.

Atoms, Radiation, and Radiation Protection offers professionals and advanced students a comprehensive coverage of the major concepts that underlie the origins and transport of ionizing radiation in matter. Understanding atomic structure and the physical mechanisms of radiation interactions is the foundation on which much of the current practice of radiological health protection is based. The work covers the origin, detection, and measurement of radiation and the statistical interpretation of the data. The procedures that are used to protect man and the environment from the potential harmful effects of radiation are thoroughly described. Basic principles are illustrated with an abundance of worked examples that exemplify practical applications. Chapters include problem sets (with partial answers) and extensive tables and graphs for continued use as a reference work. This expanded Third Edition includes thorough updates of the material, including the latest recommendations of the ICRP and NCRP.

From the contents:

1. About Atomic Physics and Radiation.

2. Atomic Structure and Atomic Radiation.

3. The Nucleus and Nuclear Radiation.

4. Radioactive Decay.

5. Interaction of Heavy Charged Particles with Matter.

6. Interaction of Electrons with Matter.

7. Phenomena Associated with Charged-Particle Tracks.

8. Interaction of Photons with Matter.

9. Neutrons, Fission, and Criticality.

10. Methods of Radiation Detection.

11. Statistics.

12. Radiation Dosimetry.

13. Chemical and Biological Effects of Radiation.

14. Radiation-Protection Criteria and Exposure Limits.

15. External Radiation Protection.

16. Internal Dosimetry and Radiation Protection.

Booknews

For professionals and graduate students in health physics, environmental sciences, nuclear engineering, and other fields. Offers an overview of the basic physics of radiation and its applications and covers the origins and properties of different kinds of ionizing radiation, its detection and measurement, and the procedures used to protect people and the environment from its harmful effects. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

JAMES E. TURNER is a retired Corporate Fellow from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and an Adjunct Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tennessee. In addition to extensive research and teaching both in the U. S. and abroad, Dr. Turner has served on the editorial staffs of several professional journals, including Health Physics and Radiation Research, and has been active in a number of scientific organizations. He is a former member of the NCRP, a Past President of the American Academy of Health Physics, and a former Board Member of the Health Physics Society. In 1992 he received the Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award of the Health Physics Society and, in 2000, the William McAdams Outstanding Service Award of the American Board of Health Physics. Dr. Turner has published widely in radiation physics and dosimetry and also on the chemical toxicity of metal ions. He is the author of three textbooks.