Effects of Ionizing Radiation

In the decades since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, economic and political trends have opened avenues for radiation research while breakthroughs in molecular biology have shed light on radiation's effect on the human body. This volume comprehensively reviews what is now known about human exposure to ionizing radiation, with emphasis on unifying the scientific disciplines that inform this topic. Today's most widely recognized experts in the field examine four broad areas: Physics and dosimetry, including the various systems of A-bomb survivor dosimetry, the effect on survivors of subsequent medical radiation, and chromosome aberrations as biomarkers. Cancer statistics and epidemiology, including a historical review of leukemia risk in A-bomb survivors, the incidence of solid cancer and resulting mortality, and the results of studies of workers exposed to low-level radiation. Genetics, including the path from radiation exposure to cellular effects, carcinogenesis, and mutagenesis. Experts discuss the interaction between radiation and other cancer risk factors, review models of radiation-induced cancer, and report on other aspects of molecular biology. Psychological effects of radiation catastrophesas seen at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Three Mile Island, and Chernobyland consequences of the Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Law. Table of Contents Front Matter Part I. Radiation Physics and Dosimetry 1 Development of A-Bomb Survivor Dosimetry 2 The Origin of DS86 3 Medical Radiation Exposures of Atomic Bomb Survivors 4 Biodosimetry of Atomic Bomb Survivors by Karyotyping, Chromosome Painting, and Electron Spin Resonance Part II. Cancer Statistics and Epidemiology 5 Statistical Aspects of RERF Cancer Epidemiology 6 A Historical Review of Leukemia Risks in Atomic Bomb Survivors 7 Tumor Registries and Cancer Incidence Studies 8 Solid Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the Life Span Study of Atomic Bomb Survivors 9 Studies of Workers Exposed to Low Levels of External Radiation Part III. Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis 10 Studies on the Genetic Effects of the Atomic Bombs: Past, Present, and Future 11 Radiation, Signal Transduction, and Modulation of Intercellular Communication 12 Interaction Between Radiation Dose and Other Cancer Risk Factors 13 A Simplified Model of Radiation Carcinogenesis in the Atomic Bomb Survivors 14 Mechanistic Modeling of Radiation-Induced Cancer 15 The Distinction in Radiobiology Between Medical and Public Health Functions 16 Molecular Analyses of In Vivo hprt Mutations in Humans 17 Evolution of the Glycophorin A Assay for Measuring Biological Effects of Radiation on Humans Part IV. Psychosocial Factors 18 Psychological Effects of Radiation Catastrophes 19 Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Law Part V. Future Research 20 The Ultimate Questions: Future Research at RERF Bibliography Contributors Index