Introduction
Radiation takes many different forms in our natural environment. Light and heat radiation are produced by the Sun, ionizing radiation is produced by some minerals in the Earth. Despite these different forms of radiation, most people are concerned about one type — that produced by nuclear energy and artificial radioactive materials.
The book Radiation, People and the Environment provides a comprehensive
look at this form of radiation, called ionizing radiation.
Produced by the
IAEA in close co-operation with the UK National Radiological Protection Board,
the book provides a broad overview on the subject of ionizing radiation,
its effects and uses, as well as the measures in place to ensure it can be
used safely.
It also discusses the benefits and risks of practices that use
such radiation in medicine, industry and energy production and considers
some topical concerns about environmental pollution, waste management, emergencies
and transportation safety.
