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Effects of ionizing radiation on cellular structures, induced instability and carcinogenesis

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Book cover Cancer: Cell Structures, Carcinogens and Genomic Instability

Part of the book series: Experientia Supplementum ((EXS,volume 96))

Abstract

Ionizing radiation is perhaps the most extensively studied human carcinogen. There have been a number of epidemiological studies on human populations exposed to radiation for medical or occupational reasons, as a result of protracted environmental exposures due to radiation accidents, or after atomic bombings. As a result of these studies exposure to ionizing radiation has been unambiguously linked to cancer causation. While cancer induction is the primary concern and the most important somatic effect of exposure to ionizing radiation, potential health risks do not only involve neoplastic diseases but also somatic mutations that might contribute to birth defects and ocular maladies, and heritable mutations that might impact on disease risks in future generations. Consequantly it is important we understand the long-term health risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical Structure & Dynamics, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, MS K8-88, 3335 Q Ave, Richland, WA, 99352, USA

    Marianne Sowa, Benjamin J. Arthurs & Brian J. Estes

  2. Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, BRB 7-011, and Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201-1551

    William F. Morgan

Authors
  1. Marianne Sowa
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  2. Benjamin J. Arthurs
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  3. Brian J. Estes
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  4. William F. Morgan
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© 2006 Birkhäuser Verlag/Switzerland

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Sowa, M., Arthurs, B.J., Estes, B.J., Morgan, W.F. (2006). Effects of ionizing radiation on cellular structures, induced instability and carcinogenesis. In: Cancer: Cell Structures, Carcinogens and Genomic Instability. Experientia Supplementum, vol 96. Birkhäuser Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-7643-7378-4_12

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