1.4 Protection against nuclear radiation

The terms are defined of radiation hazard, radiation injury, radiation dose and dose equivalent used in radiation protection. The organism can be contaminated with radionuclides through three basic, viz., by inhalation, with food, and through the skin or mucosa. Some radionuclides are distributed evenly in the organism, some accumulate in bones or in reticuloendothelial system cells. The effect is discussed of nuclear radiation on the living organism; biological and biochemical effects and injuries at the molecular level are treated. The radiation syndrome comprises post-irradiation changes in the organism resulting from the action of both external radiation sources and radionuclides incorporated in the organism. Basic physical, chemical and bilogical methods of radiation protection are described. (J.C.)