Environmental radioactivity

Current knowledge is surveyed of natural and artificial environmental radioactivity and its sources with respect to the present-day biological and ecological problems. Basic data are presented on radioactive transformations, properties of radiation and radiation protection. Attention is paid to decay series, cosmic radiation interaction with the Earth surface, nuclear explosions and radioactive fallout. The problems are discussed of uranium ore mining and processing. The questions of nuclear power plants, fuel reprocessing and radioactive waste classification and disposal are dealt with in detail. The methods are also discussed of environmental radioactivity monitoring and control and of determining individual radionuclides. (J.C.)