With an estimated 3.3 billion ionizing radiation imaging examinations performed worldwide each year, the growing use of x-ray-based diagnostic procedures raises concerns about long-term health risks, especially cancer. In addition, rapid growth in the number of nuclear power plants around the world increases the risk of a nuclear accident similar to that of Fukushima, Japan. Add to this, exposure to non-ionizing radiation from prolonged cell phone use, proton radiation from solar flares, and potential nuclear conflict or a dirty bomb attack, and the need to expand our repertoire of radiation prevention and mitigation strategies becomes increasingly urgent.

Radiation Injury Prevention and Mitigation in Humans

identifies and examines physical protection strategies as well as non-toxic, cost-effective biological protection strategies. This includes agents that—when administered orally before and/or after irradiation exposures—could be effective in preventing and mitigating acute radiation damage. The book discusses implementing physical and biological protection strategies particularly for first responders, radiation workers, astronauts, and civilians who might be exposed to higher doses of radiation in the course of their activities. The book describes:

• Physics of ionizing radiation and radiological weapons, principles of nuclear reactors, the types of radiological weapons, and consequences of their explosions
• Acute and late health effects of high and low doses of radiation
• The efficacy of FDA-approved and unapproved radioprotective and radiation mitigating agents
• The efficacy of radioprotective and radiation mitigating agents not requiring FDA approval (antioxidants and herbs)
• Scientific data and rationale in support of using micronutrient preparations containing dietary and endogenous antioxidants for preventing acute radiation sickness and for mitigating the late adverse health effects among survivors of high and low doses of radiation

Examining cutting-edge advances in the research of the effects of non-ionizing radiation on cellular and genetic levels, the book proposes an implementation plan of both physical and biological protection strategies. It covers the full range of potential sources of radiation and includes an up-to-date list of helpful resources and references for the latest research and readings on the topic.

Dr. Kedar N. Prasad obtained a master’s degree in zoology from the University of Bihar, Ranchi, India, and a PhD in radiation biology from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, in 1963. He received postdoctoral training at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Long Island, New York, and joined the Department of Radiology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, where he became a professor and director for the Center for Vitamins and Cancer Research.

Dr. Prasad has published over 200 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and authored and edited 15 books in the areas of radiation biology, nutrition and cancer, and nutrition and neurological diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. These articles were published in highly prestigious journals such as Science, Nature, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States. Dr. Prasad has received many honors, including an invitation by the Nobel Prize Committee to nominate a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Medicine for 1982; the 1999 Harold Harper Lecture at the meeting of the American College of Advancement in Medicine; and an award for the best review of 1998–1999 on antioxidants and cancer and 1999–2000 on antioxidants and Parkinson’s disease by the American College of Nutrition.

Dr. Prasad is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and served as president of the International Society of Nutrition and Cancer, 1992–2000. He belongs to several professional societies, such as the American Association for Cancer Research and the Radiation Research Society. Currently, he is chief scientific officer of the Premier Micronutrient Corporation.