Nuclear and Radiochemistry

Radiobiology

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Radiobiology is the study of the actions of ionizing radiations on living matter. Since radiation has the ability to cause changes in cells which may later cause them to become malignant, or bring about other detrimental functional changes in irradiated tissues and organs, consideration of the associated radiobiology is important in all diagnostic applications of radiation. Additionally, since radiation can lead directly to cell death, consideration of the radiobiological aspects of cell killing is essential in all types of radiation therapy.

Ionizing radiation is generally harmful and possibly deadly to living things yet can have medical advantages in radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer and thyrotoxicosis. Its most regular impact is the induction of cancer with a latent period of years or decades after exposure. High doses can cause visually sensational radiation burns, and/or rapid fatality through acute radiation syndrome. Controlled doses are used for medical imaging and radiotherapy. Few scientists suspect that low doses may have a mild hormetic effect that can improve health.