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Effects of Radioactive Contamination of the Environment on Public Health

Division of Radiological Health, U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Washington, D. C.

ABSTRACT

The development of nuclear energy has created a new and uncertain element in man's world. Rapid progress is being made in peace-time uses of this form of energy. On the other hand, there is the possibility of destruction with nuclear weapons if world peace cannot be maintained. Between these extremes, the best and worst possible uses of nuclear energy must be considered.

Since all radioactive materials emit energy which has the power to damage living tissue, it is obvious that attention must be directed toward preventing undue radiation exposure in man. The energy emitted by radioactive materials can affect man in two ways: By radiation originating from a source outside the body, and by exposure resulting from radioactive materials taken into the body. The external radiation hazard is much the easier to control, since we have instruments which can measure the hazard at the time it exists. The internal radiation exposure problem, however, is a much more complicated one.