INTRODUCTION

RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH AND THE PREVENTIVE MEDICINE SPECIALIST

a. Since 1895, the number of uses of radioactive materials and radiationproducing devices has continued to increase without bound. Indeed, the lot of mankind has been altered as a result of the discovery of radiation. This is demonstrated by the fact that the utilization of radiation affects just about every field of endeavor imaginable, to include research, industry, agriculture, teaching, and, of course, medicine.

b. To this extent, the preventive medicine specialist must be able to identify the sources of radiation within his facility, to evaluate the hazards associated with thesesources, and finally, to implement the proper control measures to ensure safe utilization of these sources.

c. In order for him to fully appreciate the techniques involved in implementing such measures, the preventive medicine specialist must understand the principles upon which these techniques are based. Knowledge of basic radiological health will form a foundation upon which these techniques can be better understood.