The 1940s were a decade of discovery. The fission weapons were produced and along with their production, consfderable new knowledge about the metabolism and effects of radionuclides was born. The application of radionuclides to medical procedures also showed great promise and resulted in much | information. In the 1950s, {t became apparent that there were environmenta) and potential health consequences related to the weapons testing. An env tromenta! awareness began to develop, as did concern about the long-term effectsof continued exposure to low tevels of radfonuctides. As a result, larger Studies were begun to address the biological significance of these exposures. These would continue through the next decades. In the 1960s, environmental and public haslth awareness became more acute prior to the signing of the nuclear test ban treaty. and models became more sophisticated. Redfoecological studies The long-term biloeffects studies com ined. In the 1970s, with the near absence of atmospher fc testing, most of the radioblologic research took on an ortentation related to muclteas power gener: ation, since this technology represented new sources of occupational and population exposures and envtromental contamination. Concern was basically the same--the effects of long-term, low-level exposures. there was also concern out the Iikel{tood of major reactor accidents end subtequent radiological ‘mpect. The 1980s should see the completion of the long-term bioeffects studres begun decodes earlier. Their results will lead, tt fs hoped, to an imreate’ vederstending of the relationship of raeiiation dose, effect, ani time, end methods for the prediction of risvis to pwrople from erpnsure tn deposited radionuclides. sternal ly