Environmental Radioactivity from Natural, Industrial, and Military Sources is the comprehensive source of information
on radiation in the environment and human exposure to radioactivity. This Fourth Edition isa complete revision
and extension of the classic work, reflecting major new developments and concerns as the Cold War ended, nuclear
weapons began to be dismantled, and cleanup of the nuclear weapons facilities assumed center stage. Contamination
from accidents involving weapons, reactors, and radionuclide sources are discussed in an updated chapter, including
the latest information about the effects of the Chernobyl accident. Important revisions are also made to the chapters
on natural radioactivity, nuclear fuels and power reactors, radioactive waste management, and various other sources
of exposure. Several chapters provide primers for readers who may not be familiar with the fundamentals of radiation
biology, protection standards, and pathways for the environmental transport of radionuclides. An Appendix lists
the properties of the more important radionuclides found in the environment. The book concludes with a commentary
on contemporary social aspects of radiation exposure and risks that offers analternative view to current, often
excessive concerns over radiation, nuclear technology, and waste.
Key Features
* Describes every important source of environmental radioactivity
* Reviews the vexing problems of radioactive waste management and cleanup of contaminated sites
* Contains measured or projected radiation dose estimates for the major sources
* Features 126 figures, 80 tables, and more than 1200 references
* Discusses current problems inhistorical context
* The two authors bring more than 75 years of combined experience with environmental radioactivity
* Provides an understanding of the sources of environmental radioactivity and human exposure from the mining of
ores to final disposal of wastes
* Thoroughly reviews important contamination accidents