Multiple Exposures: Chronicles of the Radiation Age - Softcover

Caufield, Catherine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0226097854 ISBN 13: 9780226097855

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 1990

Synopsis

"Catherine Caufield has written an important book on an important topic:
the history behind the safety standards limiting the effects of high energy
radiation on human beings. . . . Provides an immense amount of information
in a very readable form."—W. Alan Runciman, Prometheus

"From fallout and radon to radioactive smoke detectors and dental X-rays,
Caufield traces the proliferation of the uses of radiation in medicine,
industry and the military, and in generating energy. An intelligent,
non-alarmist history."—Publishers Weekly

About this title

From Library Journal:

These books present opposite viewpoints on radiation. Caufield, a science journalist, sees a threat coming from the radioactive material's "popularity as a medical and industrial tool." Nuclear scientist Wagner and writer Ketchum argue that such "beneficial applications" must be encouraged. Caufield sees the public's unease as a reponse to government secrecy, misinformation, and "guesstimates"; Wagner and Ketchum see radiation as "misunderstood and so unreasonably feared." Both these books offer a historical overview of radiation, but Wagner and Ketchum's overview seems more of a filler between their promotion of the use of radioactive tracers to study brain chemistry. (Today, biological-based tracers can replace radioactive ones.) Both the books ask important questions: Who is qualified to evaluate the social, economic, and political risks and/or benefits that arise from nuclear energy and other uses of ionizing radiation? Are there any alternatives? Are exorbitant means being used to accomplish limited ends? Both books provide good lists of related publications, but Caufield better supports her thesis and supplies more precise footnoting. Both, however, should be purchased for balanced coverage of this important topic.
- Diane M. Brown, Univ. of California Lib., Berkeley
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

From fallout and radon to radioactive smoke detectors and dental X-rays, Caufield traces the proliferation of the uses of radiation in medicine, industry and the military, and in generating energy. "An intelligent, non-alarmist history," praised PW. Illustrated.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0226097854
• ISBN 13: 9780226097855
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304