Life and Death Rays
Radioactive Poisoning and Radiation Exposure
1st Edition
Published on 5. July 2021
246 pages
978-1-000-40671-9 (ISBN)
Description
This unique book provides an accessible introduction to both the scientific background and the key people involved in the discovery and use of radiation and radioactivity. It begins by providing a short history of radiation exposures and radiation poisoning; from the early inappropriate use of X-rays and radium cures through the misadventures of the Manhattan Project and the Chernobyl disaster, to the high-profile and deliberate poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in London with polonium-210, which gave rise to worldwide media attention.
The chapters provide a catalogue of deliberate criminal acts, unfortunate accidents, and inadvertent radiation exposures, exploring well-known events in detail, as well as some not so well-known occurrences. It works through the topics by focusing on human stories and events and their biological impact. In addition, it covers descriptions of the beneficial uses of radiation and radioactivity.
This book can be enjoyed by any reader with a general interest in science, as well as by students and professionals within the scientific and medical communities.
Key features
Authored by a subject area specialist who has worked in both clinical practice and academia and was involved with the national media following incidents of national and international importance
Provides a unique human perspective into well-known and some lesser known events and a concise history of the discovery of radiation and the events that followed
Adds scientific and medical background to a subject of high media interest
The chapters provide a catalogue of deliberate criminal acts, unfortunate accidents, and inadvertent radiation exposures, exploring well-known events in detail, as well as some not so well-known occurrences. It works through the topics by focusing on human stories and events and their biological impact. In addition, it covers descriptions of the beneficial uses of radiation and radioactivity.
This book can be enjoyed by any reader with a general interest in science, as well as by students and professionals within the scientific and medical communities.
Key features
Authored by a subject area specialist who has worked in both clinical practice and academia and was involved with the national media following incidents of national and international importance
Provides a unique human perspective into well-known and some lesser known events and a concise history of the discovery of radiation and the events that followed
Adds scientific and medical background to a subject of high media interest
Reviews / Votes
Life and Death Rays: Radioactive Poisoning and Radiation Exposure by Alan Perkins (2022) is an in-depth exploration of radiation and radioactive poisoning. The book provides great insight into radiation's history, science, and impact with an approach that combines technical aspects with fascinating historical stories. It explains the medical benefits of radiation and its dangers, making the book relevant to professionals in clinical toxicology, environmental health, and medical fields and general readers interested.Overall, Life and Death Rays: Radioactive Poisoning and Radiation Exposure is a very informative and interesting book that combines aspects of history, science, and ethics in one coherent narrative. While some areas could be improved, such as further case studies and discussion of recent developments, the book remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in radiation and radioactive poisoning. With an easy-to-understand writing style and supportive illustrations, this book can be enjoyed by both general readers and professionals in related fields.
- Cacu Cacu and Elfi Rindiana, International Journal of Radiation Biology, September 2024
The imagery and compelling narratives give the book the tone of a detective novel! Alan Perkins does an excellent job of arousing the reader's curiosity, drawing them in and encouraging them to browse through the pages. Perkins' writing is engaging with a sense of wit. The book is very well-researched, referencing a wide range of sources, such as historical records, scientific papers, reports and interviews. The inclusion of numerous historical photographs of scientists, laboratories, equipment, sites and artefacts enhances the readability and contributes to the book's overall appeal and worth.
"Life and Death Rays" offers an insightful and well-rounded exploration of the history and impact of radiation and radioactivity in humanity. Alan Perkins is a master storyteller (he delivers captivating talks as well!) who promotes a profound understanding of radiation's 'double-edged sword' properties to both heal and harm. If you are fascinated by the history and science of radiation, radioactivity, X-rays, nuclear power, radiation poisoning, and the ethical challenges involved in employing such an extremely powerful force on humanity, then this book is for you.
- Emeritus Professor Kwan Hoong Ng, Department of Biomedical Imaging, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine, March 2025
More details
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
11 Tables, black and white; 24 Line drawings, black and white; 59 Halftones, black and white; 83 Illustrations, black and white
ISBN-13
978-1-000-40671-9 (9781000406719)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
07/2021
1st Edition
CRC Press
€44.10
Shipment within 15-20 days
Book
07/2021
1st Edition
CRC Press
€95.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Alan Perkins is Emeritus Professor of Medical Physics in Radiological Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, having previously held the position of Clinical Professor of Medical Physics in the School of Medicine and Honorary Consultant Clinical Scientist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, where he was the Clinical Support Divisional Lead for Research and Innovation. He has over 35 years experience in Nuclear Medicine and Medical Physics and broad managerial experience in the National Health Service. His contribution to clinical science and collaborative research has resulted in authorship of over 200 peer-reviewed publications and 6 published textbooks.
Professor Perkins is a Past President of the British Nuclear Medicine Society and Past President of the International Research Group for Immunoscintigraphy and Therapy, a previous Vice President of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine and currently a Governor and Chair of the Research Strategy Board for Coeliac UK. He was an editor of the UK journal Nuclear Medicine Communications and for over 9 years represented the UK on The High-Level Group for the Security of Medical Radioisotope Supplies at the OECD in Paris. He has consulted for a number of commercial organisations and has acted as an expert witness for pharmaceutical litigation in the US.
Professor Perkins is a Past President of the British Nuclear Medicine Society and Past President of the International Research Group for Immunoscintigraphy and Therapy, a previous Vice President of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine and currently a Governor and Chair of the Research Strategy Board for Coeliac UK. He was an editor of the UK journal Nuclear Medicine Communications and for over 9 years represented the UK on The High-Level Group for the Security of Medical Radioisotope Supplies at the OECD in Paris. He has consulted for a number of commercial organisations and has acted as an expert witness for pharmaceutical litigation in the US.
Content
Contents
Preface xi
Acknowledgements xiii
About the Author xv
Chapter 1 The Poisoned Chalice ................................................. 1
Chapter 2 Designer Poisons ............................................................. 19
Chapter 3 Mysterious Rays ................................................................29
Chapter 4 Radiant Health ................................................................ 43
Chapter 5 Kill or Cure ....................................................................... 59
Chapter 6 Chain Reactions ......................................................87
Chapter 7 Nutopia ................................................................. 103
Chapter 8 From Tracers to Treatment .............................................. 119
Chapter 9 A Series of Unfortunate Events ........................................ 137
Chapter 10 Home and Away ............................................................. 155
Chapter 11 Biological Effects and Medical Treatment ........................ 167
Chapter 12 Spies, Subterfuge, Missions and Murder ............................ 181
Glossary ............................................................................................ 205
Bibliography ...................................................................................... 213
Appendix 1: Table of SI Metric Prefixes ............................................... 219
Index ................................................................................................ 221
Preface xi
Acknowledgements xiii
About the Author xv
Chapter 1 The Poisoned Chalice ................................................. 1
Chapter 2 Designer Poisons ............................................................. 19
Chapter 3 Mysterious Rays ................................................................29
Chapter 4 Radiant Health ................................................................ 43
Chapter 5 Kill or Cure ....................................................................... 59
Chapter 6 Chain Reactions ......................................................87
Chapter 7 Nutopia ................................................................. 103
Chapter 8 From Tracers to Treatment .............................................. 119
Chapter 9 A Series of Unfortunate Events ........................................ 137
Chapter 10 Home and Away ............................................................. 155
Chapter 11 Biological Effects and Medical Treatment ........................ 167
Chapter 12 Spies, Subterfuge, Missions and Murder ............................ 181
Glossary ............................................................................................ 205
Bibliography ...................................................................................... 213
Appendix 1: Table of SI Metric Prefixes ............................................... 219
Index ................................................................................................ 221
