Medical Radiation Biology

This book represents a digest, in the best sense of that word, of an immense body of published facts about the effects of radiations on the human and animal body. About 500 pages are devoted especially to the ionizing radiations, about 60 to ultraviolet radiation, and about 20 to visible and infrared radiation. Of special interest are the detailed, concrete summaries of effects of ionizing radiations on skin, gonads, and blood-forming organs; the discussion of the acute syndrome following whole-body radiation; the chapter on neoplasms and allied diseases; and the compact statements regarding the action of radioactive isotopes introduced into the body to irradiate tissues from within. A chapter on ionizing radiations as a health hazard calls attention to some neglected sources of danger and gives quantitative facts regarding the effects of cosmic rays at sea level and at high altitudes.

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