Radioactive and stable isotopes as tracers applied to development and environmental tasks

Radionuclides and their still increasing range of applicability and efficiency in numerous fields unfortunately are overshadowed by the spectacular aspects of nuclear technology, as applied for electricity generation for example. Some of the most important tracer applications are in the medical field, and patients long since have accepted the methods as 'normal'. A large variety of other applications, as e.g. in biological research, chemistry and agriculture, or in technology, are less known to the general public and only the experts concerned are able to assess their usefulness. Tracers are indispensable means and tools for high technology and for a wealth of other applications that contribute to the development of our civilisation. (orig./HP)