Everyday radiation

OCT 01, 1952

While the biological effects of the radiation surrounding us are not yet entirely understood, recent work in health physics and radiology has greatly clarified the problems which are involved.

DOI: 10.1063/1.3067365

Frederick P. Cowan

The rapid development of applied nuclear physics during the past decade has focused the attention of many people on radiation and radioactive materials. The fact that both are common constituents of our environment was realized by scientists working in the field soon after the discovery of radioactivity a half century ago. Many other scientists and the general public realize only vaguely or not at all that they are continually exposed to penetrating radiation of natural origin and that radioactive materials are found in small amounts in almost all substances including air, soil, building materials, and the human body.

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References

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More about the Authors

Frederick P. Cowan. Brookhaven National Laboratory.