Radiation Biology and Radiation Protection

The biological effects of ionizing radiation were discovered soon after the production of intense radiation sources in the form of X-ray machines and radioactive elements about a century ago. Radiation was found to stop cell division and could therefore be used therapeutically to stop cancer growth. On the other hand, radiation applied locally was found to cause wounds, which were difficult to heal, and to induce cancer. Many serious accidents occurred as a result of the use of radiation before an adequate understanding of its biological effects led to formulation of rules for protection of workers. By 1922 approximately 100 radiologists (not patients) had died as a result of biological radiation damage.