Radionuclides, 1. Introduction

Abstract

The article contains sections titled: 1. Nucleons 2. Timeline of Discoveries in Radioactivity 3. Nuclides and Radionuclides 4. The Law of Radioactive Decay 5. Interaction between Radiation and Matter 5.1. Interaction between Gamma Quanta and Matter 5.2. Interaction between Electrons and Matter 5.3. Interaction between Positrons and Matter 5.4. Interaction between Alpha Particles and Matter 5.5. Interaction between Neutrons and Matter 5.6. Interaction between Neutrinos and Matter 6. The Biological Effects of Radiation and Radionuclides 6.1. Physical Radiation Effects 6.2. Molecular Radiation Effects 6.2.1. Radiation Damage to DNA 6.2.2. Repair of DNA Damage in the Cell 6.3. Cellular Radiation Effects 6.4. Radiation Effects on Tissue 6.5. Radiation Hazards 6.5.1. Radiation Carcinogenesis 6.5.2. Hereditary Radiation Effects 6.5.3. Teratogenic Radiation Effects 6.6. Radionuclides 6.6.1. Radionuclides of Concern in Radiation Protection 6.6.2. Exposure of the Population due to Natural and Artificial Radioisotopes 6.7. Basic Principles of Radiation Protection

Radionuclides: A synopsis of Distribution, Epidemiology, Importance, Public Health Significance and Control Measures

“…In food preservation; the stoppage of root crops sprouting post-harvest, killing of parasites and pests, and control of the ripening of stored fruit and vegetables have been achieved through the use of radiation [5]. D. In industry and in mining; radionuclides have been used in the examination of welds, detection of leaks, studying the rate of metal wear, erosion and corrosion as well as for onstream analysis of a wide range of minerals and fuels [9].…”

“…In spacecraft and elsewhere; radionuclides are used to provide power and heat, notably through radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) [5].…”

“…However, radioactive decay is spontaneous due to the uncertainty in predicting the actual time an atom will decay [1]. In reality, radionuclides are believed to be widely associated with all chemical elements as observed in hydrogen (tritium) and elements heavier than lead (technetium and promethium) [4,5]. radioactively contaminated water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plants into the ocean [9].…”