Multiple Exposures: Chronicles of the Radiation Age

Discusses the discovery of radiation, explains why scientists were so slow to realize its dangerous effects, and looks at the effects of natural radiation

Events at Chernobyl and recent revelations about contaminants from U.S. nuclear weapons facilities make this history of ionizing radiation particularly pertinent. In 1895, Wilhelm Roentgen discovered X-rays. Only a year later, radioactivity was discovered by Henri Becquerel and the Curies, but it took years for scientists to comprehend the horrible effects of radiation poisoning, and radiation pioneers, including Marie Curie, died of the effects of overexposure. Looking at all forms of radiation, from fallout and radon to radioactive smoke detectors and dental X-rays, Caulfield ( In the Rainforest ) traces the proliferation of the uses of radiation in medicine, industry and the military, and in generating energy. She believes that "experts" have consistently underestimated the damage that radiation can cause. This is an intelligent, non-alarmist history which will help lay people evaluate policies proposed to control this useful but hazardous technology.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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.