A comprehensive review of non-ionizing radiation and its public health and environmental risks, for researchers, policy makers, and laymen This book explains the characteristics of all forms of electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation (NIR) and analyzes the relationship between exposure and its biological effects, as well as the known dose-response relationships associated with each. Taking a uniquely holistic approach to the concept of health that builds upon the WHO definition to include not only absence of disease, but the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals and the population, it reviews established and potential risks and protections, along with regulatory issues associated with each. The risks to public health of NIR, whether in the form of UV light, radio waves from wireless devices, or electric and magnetic fields associated with electrical power systems, is currently a cause of great concern among members of the public and lawmakers. But in order to separate established science from speculation and make informed decisions about how to mitigate the risks of NIR and allocate precious resources, policymakers, manufacturers, and individuals need a comprehensive source of up-to-date information based on the current scientific evidence. Written by a team of experts in their fields, this book is that source. Among other things, it: Summarizes scientific findings on the safety of different forms of NIR and the rationale behind current standards Describes devices for monitoring NIR along with the established and potential hazards of each form Explores proper protections against UV light and lasers, RF radiation, ELF fields and other forms of NIR Discusses how to avoid injuries through occupational training or public awareness programs, and how to perform medical assessments in cases of suspected NIR injuries Considers how to decide whether or not to spend money on certain mitigation measures, based on cost-benefit analyses Offering expert reviews and analyses of the latest scientific findings and public policy issues concerning the risks to public health and the environment of NIR, Non-ionizing Radiation Protection is an indispensable source of information for manufacturers, government regulators, and regulatory agencies, as well as researchers, concerned laypersons, and students.

This book provides readers with comprehensive details on the management and measures to protect health against risks to people and environments generated by the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. This book is divided into three sections, namely, Radiation Protection and Measurement; Radiation Therapy; and Radioactivity. The first section covers ionizing radiation protection; population exposure to non-ionizing density; and the system of dosimetry quantities for use in emergency preparedness and response to nuclear or radiological accidents. The second section covers various planning techniques for spinal stereotactic body radiotherapy and the application of radiation technology in the development of a malaria vaccine. The third section discusses environmental radioactivity monitoring using efficient measurements and the assessment of radiation exposure to humans. Also in this section is the evaluation of the effects of chronic radiation exposure on the testes of mice after a nuclear power plant accident.

An Introduction to Non-Ionizing Radiation provides a comprehensive understanding of non-ionizing radiation (NIR), exploring its uses and potential risks. The information is presented in a simple and concise way to facilitate easy understanding of relevant concepts and applications. Chapters provide a summary and include relevant equations that explain NIR physics. Other features of the book include colorful illustrations and detailed reference lists. With a focus on safety and protection, the book also explains how to mitigate the adverse effects of non-ionizing radiation with the help of ANSI guidelines and regulations. An Introduction to Non-Ionizing Radiation comprises twelve chapters, each explaining various aspects of non-ionizing radiation, including: Fundamental concepts of non-ionizing radiation including types and sources Interaction with matter Electromagnetic fields The electromagnetic wave spectrum (UV, visible light, IR waves, microwaves and radio waves) Lasers Acoustic waves and ultrasound Regulations for non-ionizing radiation. Risk management of non-ionizing radiation The book is intended as a primer on non-ionizing radiation for a broad range of scholars and professionals in physics, engineering and clinical medicine.

During the last 30 years, there has been a remarkable devel opment and increase in the number of processes and devices that utilize or emit non-ionizing radiant energies such as micro waves, a form of electromagnetic wave energy and ultrasound representative of mechanical vibration. These energies are used in all sectors of our society for military, industrial, telecommunications, medical, and consumer applications. More recently, the use of ultrasound in biology and medicine has been considerably expanded. These increases in sources of non ionizing radiant energy have resulted in growing interest on the part of government regulatory agencies, industrial and mili tary physicians, research workers, clinicians, and even environ mentalists. Although there is information on biologic effects and potential hazards to man from exposure to microwaves or ultrasound, considerable confusion and misinformation has permeated not only the public press but also some scientific and technical publications. Interest in the biologic effects of high frequency currents developed in the beginning of the present century. This was followed by the introduction of "u1trashortwave" therapy. During the latter part of World War II, the U. S. military services became interested in the possible hazards to personnel working around microwave sources, and the Office of Naval Research of the U. S. Navy began to sponsor research on the biologic effects of microwaves in 1948. In 1956, the U. S.

One of the newer environmental hazards is nonionizing radiation (NIR), which may lead to adverse effects on human health. Exposure to NIR extends from occupational health right into the field of public health. When considering exposure limits and setting up control programmes, the heterogeneity of the population to be protected has to be kept in mind. Possible genetic and carcinogenic effects, as well as effects on development, have all to be carefully considered and are of prime importance in protecting the public. Therefore, one of the major efforts within the radiation sector of the programme during these years was directed towards the development of this book, which I now introduce with pleasure to a broad professional audience. This publication represents the results of the collaborative effort of over 200 experts from 20 countries.