The Natural Radiation Environment Symposium (NRE VII), the Seventh in the NRE series, which commenced forty years ago in 1963 at Rice University Texas, was held in Rhodes (Greece) in May 2002. During the intervening four decades the research work presented at these NRE Symposia has contributed to a deeper understanding of natural radiation and in particular of its contribution to human radiation exposures.It is clear from the quality and diversity of the 143 papers in this volume of Radioactivity in the Environment series that the study of the natural radiation environment is an active and continually expanding field of research. The papers in this volume fall into a number of main and topical research areas namely: - the measurement and behaviour of natural radionuclides in the environment - cosmic radiation measurement and dosimetry - the external penetrating radiation field at ground level - TENR (Technologically Enhanced Natural Radiation) and NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) studies - assessment of the health effects of radon - regulatory aspects of natural radiation exposuresIn these papers the results of many new surveys of natural radionuclide levels in the environment and of improved methods of detection are described. While some of the natural radiation sources investigated are unmodified by human activity, many accounts are given here of exposures to natural sources which have been enhanced by technology. Such TENR and NORM exposures are shown to range from activities such as mining, oil and gas exploitation, the use of industrial by-products as building materials, to space travel to name but a few. In several cases quite high doses to some individuals are shown to occur. Accounts are given here of methods to prevent and reduce exposures to such sources.

Naturally occurring radionuclides are found throughout the earth's crust, and they form part of the natural background of radiation to which all humans are exposed. Many human activities-such as mining and milling of ores, extraction of petroleum products, use of groundwater for domestic purposes, and living in houses-alter the natural background of radiation either by moving naturally occurring radionuclides from inaccessible locations to locations where humans are present or by concentrating the radionuclides in the exposure environment. Such alterations of the natural environment can increase, sometimes substantially, radiation exposures of the public. Exposures of the public to naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) that result from human activities that alter the natural environment can be subjected to regulatory control, at least to some degree. The regulation of public exposures to such technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM) by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory and advisory organizations is the subject of this study by the National Research Council's Committee on the Evaluation of EPA Guidelines for Exposures to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials.

Spacecraft depend on electronic components that must perform reliably over missions measured in years and decades. Space radiation is a primary source of degradation, reliability issues, and potentially failure for these electronic components. Although simulation and modeling are valuable for understanding the radiation risk to microelectronics, there is no substitute for testing, and an increased use of commercial-off-the- shelf parts in spacecraft may actually increase requirements for testing, as opposed to simulation and modeling. Testing at the Speed of Light evaluates the nation's current capabilities and future needs for testing the effects of space radiation on microelectronics to ensure mission success and makes recommendations on how to provide effective stewardship of the necessary radiation test infrastructure for the foreseeable future.

An overview of the sources, uses and effects of ionising radiation in the environment and their consequences for life.

This unique volume provides in layman's terms, without sacrificing scientific facts, the health hazards and potential dangers of naturally occurring substances that are around us everyday. The comprehensive coverage includes compounds (e.g. arsenic, lead), gases (e.g. hydrogen sulphide, ozone) and all forms of natural radiations (e.g. heat, radon). Readers will find this book both informative and entertaining because facts and important data are introduced and interpreted in the form of history, stories and scientific summaries. Each chapter concludes with a practical guide that readers will find useful.Harmful Naturally Occurring Substance and Radiation, which is fully referenced with up-to-date articles, may be used as a textbook for undergraduates and as an introductory textbook for post-graduates in biochemistry, environmental science, toxicology, medical science, and health care. People interested in personal and public health and earth issues will find this book a thought-provoking and revealing read. The book may also be a source of information for policy makers, public health officials, city planners and environmental engineers.

Growing public concern about releases of radiation into the environment has focused attention on the measurement of exposure of people living near nuclear weapons production facilities or in areas affected by accidental releases of radiation. Radiation-Dose Reconstruction for Epidemiologic Uses responds to the need for criteria for dose reconstruction studies, particularly if the doses are to be useful in epidemiology. This book provides specific and practical recommendations for whether, when, and how studies should be conducted, with an emphasis on public participation. Based on the expertise of scientists involved in dozens of dose reconstruction projects, this volume: Provides an overview of the basic requirements and technical aspects of dose reconstruction. Presents lessons to be learned from dose reconstructions after Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and elsewhere. Explores the potential benefits and limitations of biological markers. Discusses how to establish the "source term"â€"that is, to determine what was released. Explores methods for identifying the environmental pathways by which radiation reaches the body. Offers details on three major categories of dose assessment.

From reviews of the first edition: "well organized . . . Recommended as an introductory text for undergraduates" -- AAAS Science Books and Films "well written and illustrated" -- Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society