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Radiation Accidents and Nuclear Energy: Medical Consequences and Therapy
- Richard E. Champlin, MD;
- William E. Kastenberg, PhD; and
- Robert P. Gale, MD
Abstract
After the accidents at Chernobyl, the Soviet Union, and in Goiania, Brazil, there is increasing concern about the medical risks from radiation accidents. This overview summarizes the principles of nuclear energy, the biologic effects of accidental radiation exposure, the emergency response to nuclear accidents, and approaches to treating radiation injuries. Also discussed are the related issues of reactor safety, the disposal of radioactive waste, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. With the increasing use of radioactive materials for power, weapons, and medical diagnostics, the medical community needs to understand the health consequences of radiation exposure.
Article and Author Information
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An edited summary of an Interdepartmental Conference arranged by the Department of Medicine of the UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California. William M. Pardridge, MD, Professor of Medicine, is Director of Conferences.
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Authors who wish to cite a section of the conference and specifically indicate its author can use this example for the form of the reference:
Kastenberg WE. Principal issues and future prospects of nuclear energy, pp 730-734. In: Champlin RE. Radiation accidents and nuclear energy: medical consequences and therapy. Ann Intern Med. 1988;109:730-744.
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Grant Support: Partial support by grant CA 23175 from the National Cancer Institute.
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Requests for Reprints: Richard E. Champlin, MD, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90024.
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Current Author Addresses: Drs. Champlin and Gale: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90024.
Dr. Kastenberg: UCLA School of Engineering and Applied Science, Los Angeles, CA 90024.
- ©1988 American College of Physicians
