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Chemical Protection Against Ionizing Radiation, John C. Livesey, Donald J. Reed, Lucile F. Adamson

School of Pharmacy Faculty Books and Book Chapters

The scientific literature on radiation-protective drugs is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms Involved in determining the sensitivity of biological material to ionizing radiation and mechanisms of chemical radioprotection. In Section 1, the types of radiation are described and the effects of ionizing radiation on biological systems are reviewed. The effects of ionizing radiation are briefly contrasted with the effects of non-Ionizing radiation. Section I reviews the contributions of various natural factors which influence the inherent radiosensitivity of biological systems. Included in the list of these factors are water, oxygen, thiols, vitamins and antioxidants. Brief attention is given to …