Radiation

What It Is, What You Need to Know

By: Robert Peter Gale, Eric Lax

Narrated by: Robert Fass

The essential guide to radiation: the good, the bad, and the utterly fascinating, explained with unprecedented clarity.

Earth, born in a nuclear explosion, is a radioactive planet; without radiation, life would not exist. And while radiation can be dangerous, it is also deeply misunderstood and often mistakenly feared. Now Robert Peter Gale, M.D,—the doctor to whom concerned governments turned in the wake of the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters—in collaboration with medical writer Eric Lax draws on an exceptional depth of knowledge to correct myths and establish facts.

Exploring what have become trigger words for anxiety—nuclear energy and nuclear weapons, uranium, plutonium, iodine-131, mammogram, X-ray, CT scan, threats to the food chain—the authors demystify the science and dangers of radiation, and examine its myriad benefits, from safely sterilizing our food to the relatively low-risk fuel alternative of nuclear energy. This is the book for all readers who have asked themselves questions such as: What kinds of radiation, and what degree of exposure, cause cancer? What aftereffects have nuclear accidents and bombs had? Does radiation increase the likelihood of birth defects? And how does radiation work?

Hugely illuminating, Radiation is the definitive road map to our post-Chernobyl, post-Fukushima world.

Bonus: Includes a PDF of Illustrations.

Critic reviews

“Eric Lax [and Robert] Gale weigh up the risks and benefits of industrial, medical and natural radiation clearly, logically and with ample science. But it is Gale’s phenomenal frontline experience that gives this book edge.”
—Nature

“[Lax and] Gale’s is an invaluable guide for negotiating an increasingly radioactive world—for scientists, patients of radiation-related medical procedures, and environmentalists alike.”
-Publishers Weekly

“Gale and Lax objectively present the danger and value of radioactivity. In content and writing, Radiation absolutely glows.”
-Booklist

“A well-written extension of the reach of reason in an area fraught with phobia and hysteria.”
-Kirkus Reviews

“Gale and Lax aim to fill in the gaps in the public understanding of all things nuclear, and they are adept at doing so. Throughout the book they present a host of interesting facts and figures in humorous and accessible prose.”
-New Scientist

“Everyone needs to read this book; it’s compact, easy to understand, rife with interesting revelations, and it cuts through a great deal of the noise surrounding the subject [of radiation].”
—Jewish Journal

Senior radiation overload

Understand your chance of receiving overdose of radiation as doctors use tools to determine your state of health disease. Knowledge helps you find the answer.

very direct, and I appreciate that it didn't hover too long on any one area.

Although it states that one generally does not change opinion once it's made, i really did come to soften slightly on nuclear after this book. it really puts into perspective the coal burning industry and how toxic that is per pound (and not just air pollution!) You had me at Dr Gale, and I appreciate the summary giving kudos to people who listened to it's entirety!

Ionizing radiation A to Z

Excellent narration. Very well explanation of the varoius facets of r.e.a.d. and non ionizing radiation. Human psychology, political versus scientific approach plus the 21st century geopolitics.

A Very Good Listen, Highly Recommend

This was an incredibly resourceful book and I learned a tremendous amount of information from it. I made 21 notes as reference points which is the most I've ever made in a single book. I especially like how the authors break down the science in easy to understand terms and how they pull back the curtain on the anti-nuke hysteria. Admittedly, I finished this book one year ago (I've been busy) so I can't provide a more comprehensive review, but I will say that I intend to listen to this again.

The narrator was solid, but not a narrator that would go on my "best of" list. He didn't add to the book, but he didn't detract from it either. While he didn't have a melodic tone he was well spoken and his enunciation was very clear.

If you're looking for a really good book about radiation and nuclear science with plenty of science in easy to understand terms this is the book you should get.

Much better than expected!!

I choose this title merely to flesh out my topics of scientific books and while I admit I’m more of a casual reader, I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of listening and the simple understanding of the way the topic was discussed. There were some areas that I couldn’t follow but in the final chapter it was acknowledged that many might not have understood everything. Overall I would recommend this for any science geek out there. In my humble opinion…this should be required reading for any degree that requires education for radiation.