Fundamentals of radiation accidents

This paper discusses how radiation accidents are matters of great concern not only to the individual involved but the media and public as well. This concern is a function of ignorance about radiation effects and mechanisms, as well as a general perception of the mysterious nature of radioactivity. It is often difficult to get people to separate in their own minds the differences between the relatively miniscule risks of a chest X-ray from those of full-scale nuclear war. The result of all of these factors makes it extremely important that a potential or real radiation accident be carefully, methodically, and scientifically assessed