A comprehensive review of non-ionizing radiation and its public health and environmental risks, for researchers, policy makers, and laymen This book explains the characteristics of all forms of electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation (NIR) and analyzes the relationship between exposure and its biological effects, as well as the known dose-response relationships associated with each. Taking a uniquely holistic approach to the concept of health that builds upon the WHO definition to include not only absence of disease, but the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals and the population, it reviews established and potential risks and protections, along with regulatory issues associated with each. The risks to public health of NIR, whether in the form of UV light, radio waves from wireless devices, or electric and magnetic fields associated with electrical power systems, is currently a cause of great concern among members of the public and lawmakers. But in order to separate established science from speculation and make informed decisions about how to mitigate the risks of NIR and allocate precious resources, policymakers, manufacturers, and individuals need a comprehensive source of up-to-date information based on the current scientific evidence. Written by a team of experts in their fields, this book is that source. Among other things, it: Summarizes scientific findings on the safety of different forms of NIR and the rationale behind current standards Describes devices for monitoring NIR along with the established and potential hazards of each form Explores proper protections against UV light and lasers, RF radiation, ELF fields and other forms of NIR Discusses how to avoid injuries through occupational training or public awareness programs, and how to perform medical assessments in cases of suspected NIR injuries Considers how to decide whether or not to spend money on certain mitigation measures, based on cost-benefit analyses Offering expert reviews and analyses of the latest scientific findings and public policy issues concerning the risks to public health and the environment of NIR, Non-ionizing Radiation Protection is an indispensable source of information for manufacturers, government regulators, and regulatory agencies, as well as researchers, concerned laypersons, and students.

This book provides readers with comprehensive details on the management and measures to protect health against risks to people and environments generated by the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. This book is divided into three sections, namely, Radiation Protection and Measurement; Radiation Therapy; and Radioactivity. The first section covers ionizing radiation protection; population exposure to non-ionizing density; and the system of dosimetry quantities for use in emergency preparedness and response to nuclear or radiological accidents. The second section covers various planning techniques for spinal stereotactic body radiotherapy and the application of radiation technology in the development of a malaria vaccine. The third section discusses environmental radioactivity monitoring using efficient measurements and the assessment of radiation exposure to humans. Also in this section is the evaluation of the effects of chronic radiation exposure on the testes of mice after a nuclear power plant accident.

The handbook centers on detection techniques in the field of particle physics, medical imaging and related subjects. It is structured into three parts. The first one is dealing with basic ideas of particle detectors, followed by applications of these devices in high energy physics and other fields. In the last part the large field of medical imaging using similar detection techniques is described. The different chapters of the book are written by world experts in their field. Clear instructions on the detection techniques and principles in terms of relevant operation parameters for scientists and graduate students are given.Detailed tables and diagrams will make this a very useful handbook for the application of these techniques in many different fields like physics, medicine, biology and other areas of natural science.

Does radiation medicine need more regulation or simply better-coordinated regulation? This book addresses this and other questions of critical importance to public health and safety. The issues involved are high on the nation's agenda: the impact of radiation on public safety, the balance between federal and state authority, and the cost-benefit ratio of regulation. Although incidents of misadministration are rare, a case in Pennsylvania resulting in the death of a patient and the inadvertent exposure of others to a high dose of radiation drew attention to issues concerning the regulation of ionizing radiation in medicine and the need to examine current regulatory practices. Written at the request from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Radiation in Medicine reviews the regulation of ionizing radiation in medicine, focusing on the NRC's Medical Use Program, which governs the use of reactor-generated byproduct materials. The committee recommends immediate action on enforcement and provides longer term proposals for reform of the regulatory system. The volume covers: Sources of radiation and their use in medicine. Levels of risk to patients, workers, and the public. Current roles of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, other federal agencies, and states. Criticisms from the regulated community. The committee explores alternative regulatory structures for radiation medicine and explains the rationale for the option it recommends in this volume. Based on extensive research, input from the regulated community, and the collaborative efforts of experts from a range of disciplines, Radiation in Medicine will be an important resource for federal and state policymakers and regulators, health professionals involved in radiation treatment, developers and producers of radiation equipment, insurance providers, and concerned laypersons.

Over the past several decades, public concern over exposure to ionizing radiation has increased. This concern has manifested itself in different ways depending on the perception of risk to different individuals and different groups and the circumstances of their exposure. One such group are those U.S. servicemen (the "Atomic Veterans" who participated in the atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons at the Nevada Test Site or in the Pacific Proving Grounds, who served with occupation forces in or near Hiroshima and Nagasaki, or who were prisoners of war in or near those cities at the time of, or shortly after, the atomic bombings. This book addresses the feasibility of conducting an epidemiologic study to determine if there is an increased risk of adverse reproductive outcomes in the spouses, children, and grandchildren of the Atomic Veterans.

Written by practitioners experienced in the field, 'Practical Radiation Protection in Healthcare' provides a practical guide for medical physicists and others involved with radiation protection in the healthcare environment.

This Safety Guide provides recommendations and guidance on fulfilling the requirements of IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3 for ensuring radiation protection and safety of radiation sources in medical uses of ionizing radiation with regard to patients, workers, carers and comforters, volunteers in biomedical research, and the public. It covers radiological procedures in diagnostic radiology (including dentistry), image guided interventional procedures, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy. Recommendations and guidance are provided on applying a systematic approach to ensure that there is a balance between being able to utilize the benefits from medical uses of ionizing radiation and minimizing the risk of radiation effects to people.