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A review by _walter_
Radiation: What It Is, What You Need to Know by Eric Lax, Robert Peter Gale
5.0
This book if a gem, I'm fairly surprised it gets such a low rating here.
While it is definitely not an encyclopedic source of information on radiation, it does what the title conveys sufficiently well.
Unlike other reviewers, I don't think one needs a science background in order to understand the subject as presented by the authors; the tone is very conversational, and never patronizing. No formulas, very few charts and graphs. Easily digestible.
If I were to divide the book in two parts: "What is is" and "What you need to know", I would say more emphasis is given to the latter.
For instance, those wanting to approach their study of radiation from a particle/nuclear physics standpoint will find very little of it here. Little is presented in the way of what radiation actually is, and how it works. Which for me, was disappointing. However, I don't know how many people would have actually enjoyed that other than aspiring scientists ;)
Given the medical background of one the experts writing this book, much of the explanations regarding risks and effects are centered on its effects on the human body, with a much smaller part being devoted to the environment. All in all, I would say about three quarters of the book are devoted to the medical aspects of radiation, both harmful and beneficial. Sometimes this is presented as an explanation of what radiation is; "is what causes bone marrow failure!". Jeez, thanks. NOW I know what it is!
Despite its shortcomings, I believe the average American would greatly benefit from reading this book, given the all encompassing role of nuclear energy in our modern lives.
While it is definitely not an encyclopedic source of information on radiation, it does what the title conveys sufficiently well.
Unlike other reviewers, I don't think one needs a science background in order to understand the subject as presented by the authors; the tone is very conversational, and never patronizing. No formulas, very few charts and graphs. Easily digestible.
If I were to divide the book in two parts: "What is is" and "What you need to know", I would say more emphasis is given to the latter.
For instance, those wanting to approach their study of radiation from a particle/nuclear physics standpoint will find very little of it here. Little is presented in the way of what radiation actually is, and how it works. Which for me, was disappointing. However, I don't know how many people would have actually enjoyed that other than aspiring scientists ;)
Given the medical background of one the experts writing this book, much of the explanations regarding risks and effects are centered on its effects on the human body, with a much smaller part being devoted to the environment. All in all, I would say about three quarters of the book are devoted to the medical aspects of radiation, both harmful and beneficial. Sometimes this is presented as an explanation of what radiation is; "is what causes bone marrow failure!". Jeez, thanks. NOW I know what it is!
Despite its shortcomings, I believe the average American would greatly benefit from reading this book, given the all encompassing role of nuclear energy in our modern lives.