Published in 1996 at the initiative of ONDRAF/NIRAS, the book, of which the cover is given on the opposite page, is a synthesis of the knowledge on the effects of low doses of ionizing radiation. It is aimed in the first place at people interested in science, but not being faced with the subject every day; it is also aimed at people who are occupationally dealing with one of the aspects of the subject and who want to obtain an overview.

The different chapters try to answer the following questions: What do we know for certain? On which points is there still uncertainty? What do the authorities do in order to protect us against radiation?

Several experts have drafted the chapters dealing with the field of their expertise and the editing of the present work has been followed and directed by a scientific committee.

Illustrations, graphs and tables have been extensively used, which constitutes the exceptional character of this book. Moreover, a glossary of the main scientific terms was compiled and a list of bibliographical references has been added at the end of each chapter.

This book aims to provide the reader with clear and objective information on a subject that is of concern to all of us. It deals with problems of society that still often cause passionate controversies, mostly reflecting personal opinions or particular interests: the effects of low doses of ionizing radiation on public health.

Four main parts :

• The first part is a kind of introduction allowing the lay reader to tackle the following parts. The main definitions and concepts are reminded, as well as the quantities and units used in the field of radioprotection.

• The second part takes stock of our knowledge in radiobiology. Radiation-induced carcinogenesis is the subject of one chapter, as well as the hereditary effects and the risks of prenatal irradiation.

• The third part, one of the most interesting of the book, presents a very complete overview of the available human data and a discussion of the associated uncertainties.

• The fourth and last part of the book, presents first of all an overview of the level of exposure of the Belgian population to radiation, before studying the general philosophy and the basic principles of radioprotection.

A total of ten chapters:

1. Ionizing radiation ; physical aspects
2. Quantities and units
3. Biological effects of ionizing radiation: contributions of research in radiobiology
4. Radiation carcinogenesis
5. Genetic effects of ionizing radiation
6. Effects of a prenatal radiation
7. Epidemiological data on man
8. Natural, medical and industrial exposure: the situation in Belgium
9. Fundamentals and principles of radiation protection
10. Regulations and organization of radiation protection

A glossary has also been added at the end of the book.

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