Radiation and biological effects of 14C

Direct and indirect radiation effects of radiocarbon on the human organism are briefly described and the pathways are listed of radiocarbon penetration in the human organism (food chain, inhalation). The content of stable carbon, the concentration of natural 14C and the absorbed dose are tabulated for vital organs. The relations are discussed between the 14C concentration in the atmosphere and in the human organism as a result of nuclear weapons tests and later of the development of nuclear power. (E.S.). 1 fig., 1 tab., 10 refs