Radiation Injury Prevention and Mitigation in Humans

Nuclear bomb explosions by terrorists as well as unintentional nuclear disasters remain possibilities as long as nations around the world have nuclear arsenals. At present, there are no strategies to provide biological protection before and/or after radiation exposure. This book identifies and examines nontoxic and cost-effective agents that could be effective in preventing and mitigating acute radiation damage before and after exposure. The text discusses physical and biological protection strategies for first responders at risk. It covers the full range of potential sources of radiation and includes an up-to-date list of helpful resources.

With an estimated 3.3 billion ionizing radiation imaging examinations performed worldwide each year, the growing use of x-ray-based diagnostic procedures raises concerns about long-term health risks, especially cancer. In addition, rapid growth in the number of nuclear power plants around the world increases the risk of a nuclear accident similar to that of Fukushima, Japan. Add to this, exposure to non-ionizing radiation from prolonged cell phone use, proton radiation from solar flares, and potential nuclear conflict or a dirty bomb attack, and the need to expand our repertoire of radiation prevention and mitigation strategies becomes increasingly urgent.

Radiation Injury Prevention and Mitigation in Humans identifies and examines physical protection strategies as well as non-toxic, cost-effective biological protection strategies. This includes agents that—when administered orally before and/or after irradiation exposures—could be effective in preventing and mitigating acute radiation damage. The book discusses implementing physical and biological protection strategies particularly for first responders, radiation workers, astronauts, and civilians who might be exposed to higher doses of radiation in the course of their activities. The book describes:

• Physics of ionizing radiation and radiological weapons, principles of nuclear reactors, the types of radiological weapons, and consequences of their explosions
• Acute and late health effects of high and low doses of radiation
• The efficacy of FDA-approved and unapproved radioprotective and radiation mitigating agents
• The efficacy of radioprotective and radiation mitigating agents not requiring FDA approval (antioxidants and herbs)
• Scientific data and rationale in support of using micronutrient preparations containing dietary and endogenous antioxidants for preventing acute radiation sickness and for mitigating the late adverse health effects among survivors of high and low doses of radiation

Examining cutting-edge advances in the research of the effects of non-ionizing radiation on cellular and genetic levels, the book proposes an implementation plan of both physical and biological protection strategies. It covers the full range of potential sources of radiation and includes an up-to-date list of helpful resources and references for the latest research and readings on the topic.