Information on radiation protection for medical students and physicians A collection of slides and accompanying text on radiation protection has recently been issued under the sponsorship of the European Late Effect Project Group (EULEP) and the European Radiation Protection Action (ERPET). These initiatives are supported by the European Commissio... A collection of slides and accompanying text on radiation protection has recently been issued under the sponsorship of the European Late Effect Project Group (EULEP) and the European Radiation Protection Action (ERPET). These initiatives are supported by the European Commission, and aim to coordinate research and standardise procedures and methods related to the understanding of the late biological effects of ionising radiation in mammals, including humans. The slides and accompanying publication are intended to address a deficit in competence in radiation biology and protection, and to provide academic teachers with the appropriate material to aid the instruction of students. The slides cover the entire spectrum of radiation protection in a comprehensive manner adapted to the needs of physicians, while the accompanying publication contains advice on the most important aspects of the information contained on the slides and additional explanations where the slides may be difficult to understand. The topics dealt with in the slides include the following: - Introduction to and characteristics of ionising radiation; - Interactions of high-energy photons with matter; - Dosimetry: general terms and external exposure; - Exposure of man; - The biophysical basis of the action of ionising radiation; - The action of ionising radiation on molecules; - Deterministic effects from ionising radiation; - Radiobiology of radiation therapy of malignant diseases; - Epidemiology and assessment of risks to man; - Concepts and principles of radiation protection.
