Life and Death Rays

Radioactive Poisoning and Radiation Exposure

Alan Perkins author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:6th Jul '21

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Life and Death Rays cover

This unique book provides an accessible introduction to both the scientific background and the key people involved in the discovery and use of radiation and radioactivity. It begins by providing a short history of radiation exposures and radiation poisoning; from the early inappropriate use of X-rays and radium cures through the misadventures of the Manhattan Project and the Chernobyl disaster, to the high-profile and deliberate poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in London with polonium-210, which gave rise to worldwide media attention.

The chapters provide a catalogue of deliberate criminal acts, unfortunate accidents, and inadvertent radiation exposures, exploring well-known events in detail, as well as some not so well-known occurrences. It works through the topics by focusing on human stories and events and their biological impact. In addition, it covers descriptions of the beneficial uses of radiation and radioactivity.

This book can be enjoyed by any reader with a general interest in science, as well as by students and professionals within the scientific and medical communities.

Key features

  • Authored by a subject area specialist who has worked in both clinical practice and academia and was involved with the national media following incidents of national and international importance
  • Provides a unique human perspective into well-known and some lesser known events and a concise history of the discovery of radiation and the events that followed
  • Adds scientific and medical background to a subject of high media interest
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Life and Death Rays: Radioactive Poisoning and Radiation Exposure by Alan Perkins (2022) is an in-depth exploration of radiation and radioactive poisoning. The book provides great insight into radiation’s history, science, and impact with an approach that combines technical aspects with fascinating historical stories. It explains the medical benefits of radiation and its dangers, making the book relevant to professionals in clinical toxicology, environmental health, and medical fields and general readers interested.

Overall, Life and Death Rays: Radioactive Poisoning and Radiation Exposure is a very informative and interesting book that combines aspects of history, science, and ethics in one coherent narrative. While some areas could be improved, such as further case studies and discussion of recent developments, the book remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in radiation and radioactive poisoning. With an easy-to-understand writing style and supportive illustrations, this book can be enjoyed by both general readers and professionals in related fields.

- Cacu Cacu and Elfi Rindiana, International Journal of Radiation Biology, September 2024.

ISBN: 9780367463366

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 612g

246 pages