Fundamentals of Radiation Biology

This book provides a clear and comprehensive overview of radiobiology for students, researchers, and professionals in medicine, diagnostic radiology, therapeutic radiology, radio safety and radio physics. Radiobiology is a branch of clinical and basic medical sciences that studies the effects of ionizing radiation on living things, particularly the health consequences of radiation and it is crucial for understanding the principles underlying radiation treatment, nuclear medicine, and radiation protection. This book offers a thorough examination of radiobiology, touching on many subjects that are crucial to comprehending how ionizing radiation interacts with living systems. The introduction provides a conceptual and historical background for radiobiology. By describing the physical characteristics of radiation, its interactions with matter, and the standardized units used to measure exposure and dose, the chapters on radiation physics and radiation units and measurements set the foundation. The book also explores radiation detection, describing the tools and techniques required to precisely measure and track radiation. Key biological effects are covered in chapters such as “Radiation Chemistry”, which examines the chemical changes caused by radiation, and “DNA Damage by Ionizing Radiation”, which focuses on the molecular disruptions caused by radiation exposure. The sections on chromosomal aberration, gene mutation, and cell survival investigate how radiation affects genetic material and cell viability. In “Pathophysiology of Radiobiology in Normal Cells and Tissues and Normal Tissue Toxicity”, a rigorous review connects theoretical concepts to clinical implications. The book also includes an important chapter titled “Radiation Safety”, which discusses concepts and practices for safely handling and applying radiation in medical and scientific contexts. This book is a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their understanding of radiobiology and healthcare professionals involved in safe radiation use. It demystifies complex concepts, enabling confident application of radiobiological principles in clinical and research settings.