An Introduction to Radiation Protection

This highly-readable account of the nature of the hazards presented by ionizing radiation and the methods of protection is an ideal introductory text for those new to the field, and for the non-specialist. The seventh edition continues to cover the technical principles underlying the control of radiation hazards, radiation detection and measurement and the biological effects of radiation, followed by a consideration of industry-specific radiation protection issues. Further specialised topics include risk assessment, waste management and decommissioning, radiological emergencies, relevant legislation and organizational issues and, new to this edition, environmental radiation protection.

The structure of matter. Radioactivity and radiation. Radiation units. Biological effects of radiation. Natural and man-made radiation. The system of radiological protection. Radiation detection and measurement. The external radiation hazard. The internal radiation hazard. The principles of risk assessment. Practical health physics techniques. Legislation and regulations related to radiation protection. Radiation protection in the nuclear industry. Radioactive waste and the decommissioning of radioactive facilities. Radiation protection in the non-nuclear industry. Radiation protection in medicine. Radiological incidents and emergencies. The organisation and administration of radiation protection services.

Alan Martin formerly ran the consultancy Alan Martin Associates, UK Sam Harbison is a Health & Safety Consultant based in Kent and was formerly Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Nuclear Installations, Health & Safety Executive, UK Karen Beach is a Radiation Protection Advisor for Research Sites Restoration Ltd, UK Peter Cole is Radiation Protection Advisor and Professor in the Department of Physics, University of Liverpool and past President of the UK Society of Radiation Protection