This highly-readable account of the nature of the hazards presented by ionizing radiation and the methods of protection is an ideal introductory text for those new to the field, and for the non-specialist.

The structure of matter. Radioactivity and radiation. Radiation units. Biological effects of radiation. Natural and man-made radiation. The system of radiological protection. Radiation detection and measurement. The external radiation hazard. The internal radiation hazard. The principles of risk assessment. Practical health physics techniques. Legislation and regulations related to radiation protection. Radiation protection in the nuclear industry. Radioactive waste and the decommissioning of radioactive facilities. Radiation protection in the non-nuclear industry. Radiation protection in medicine. Radiological incidents and emergencies. The organisation and administration of radiation protection services.