The history and future of accelerator radiological protection

The development of accelerator radiological protection from the mid-1930s, just after the invention of the cyclotron, to the present day is described. Three major themes - physics, personalities and politics - are developed. In the sections describing physics the development of shielding design through measurement, radiation transport calculations, the impact of accelerators on the environment and dosimetry in accelerator radiation fields are described. The discussion is limited to high-energy, high-intensity electron and proton accelerators. The impact of notable personalities on the development of both the basic science and on the accelerator health physics profession itself is described. The important role played by scholars and teachers is discussed. In the final section, which discusses the future of accelerator radiological protection, some emphasis is given to the social and political aspects that must be faced in the years ahead. (author)