Fundamentals of Health Physics & Radiation Protection

This is an all-new 21st century textbook on nuclear radiation safety. It is not an all-purpose reference book but a solid introduction to the science of radiation protection. Based on the author’s career as a health physicist and 20+ years of teaching classes to university students and in nuclear facilities, the chapters are organized in a logical progressive manner. The content is aimed for first-time students who have had basic classes in nuclear radiation interactions and radioactivity so that the learning begins immediately with principles of radiation safety. Modern calculational methods are taught along with techniques to use online resources and software to quickly advance beyond rudimentary hand calculations. Over 350 pages of solid learning material show the technical basis for how professional-level radiation protection personnel approach problems in the workplace. Foundational in its approach, this book prepares the reader to understand why things work as they do and then apply the principles to specific workplace environments where radiation and radioactive materials are used.. Reference tables are at a minimum with the emphasis on obtaining information from reputable online sources. Ideal for a two-semester course but can work as a self-study resource. A companion website at www.hpfundamentals.com provides even more material, calculational tools, and web links for all the online tools and software discussed in the textbook. It’s a unique approach and gives even more learning opportunities and flexibility for faculty and students alike. 1. Quantities and Units 2. Summary of Biological Effects of Radiation 3. Radiation Exposures to People 4. Dosimetry Calculations for External Sources of Radiation 5. Dosimetry Measurements for External Sources of Radiation 6. Controlling External Radiation Dose in the Workplace 7. Dosimetry Models for Internal Sources of Radiation 8. Measurements and Calculations of Dose from Internal Sources of Radiation 9. Controlling Internal Exposures in the Workplace 10. Principles of Radiation Protection in the Workplace 11. Environmental Health Physics Fate and Transport Modeling 12. Environmental Health Physics Monitoring