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
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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