The effect of radiation on biological systems is reviewed. Types of particle and electromagnetic radiation and the mechanisms of absorption and energy dissipation commonly found when radiation interacts with matter are discussed. The effects of radiation on living systems in general are examined. The target theory and the indirect theory of action of radiation are compared in terms of experimental evidence. The major emphasis of the survey is on the consideration of biological effects of radiation on simple systems of single tissue, and on a detailed consideration of radiation effects on the skin, the reproductive system, the circulatory system, and the digestive tract. A summary of permitted tolerance of humans to particulate and electromagnetic radiations is presented.
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