Abstract
Ionising radiation affects us all, whether it comes from natural (cosmic and terrestrial) sources or from man-made sources. It consists of electromagnetic rays, of a shorter wavelength than light — the penetrating X- and gamma rays; and fast-moving particles — alpha particles (able to penetrate barely 0.1mm in tissue), beta particles (more penetrating) and neutrons. These radiations can ionise (that is, knock out electrons from) the atoms of materials through which they pass; in passing through living tissues, they can produce biological effects and may be damaging.
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© 1988 Nicolaas A. Rupke
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Arnold, L. (1988). Radiation, Language and Logic. In: Rupke, N.A. (eds) Science, Politics and the Public Good. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-09514-8_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-09514-8_9
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-09516-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-09514-8
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