Includes bibliographical references (pages 495-530) and index.

Introduction -- The biological basis of radiation protection -- Radiation protection standards -- Mechanisms of transport in the atmosphere -- The food chain from soil to man -- The aquatic environment -- Natural radioactivity -- From mines to fabricated fuel -- Reactors -- Miscellaneous sources of exposure to radioactive substances -- Fuel reprocessing -- Management of radioactive wastes -- Fallout from nuclear explosions I. short term effects -- Fallout from nuclear explosions II. worldwide effects -- Peaceful uses of nuclear explosives -- Environmental contamination from accidents -- Methods of environmental surveillance -- Environmental radioactivity in retrospect and prospect -- Appendix A : The properties of certain radionuclides. This book provides an account of biological and physical information on nuclear power and its potential environmental impact.