Nuclear Energy, Power Plant, and Reactor Sourcebook: The Regulation and Use of Radioisotopes in Today's World - Use in Medicine, Diagnostic Applications, Brachytherapy, Food Safety

This is a print replica reproduction of an official document from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) - The Regulation and Use of Radioisotopes in Today's World. Bonus documents are also included: Citizen's Guide to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Information, 2016 Congressional Budget Justification, Status Report on U.S. Nuclear Energy Program.

More than 100 years ago, scientists discovered that many elements commonly found on earth occur in different atomic configurations. These varying configurations, called isotopes, were found to have identical electronically charged particles and identical chemical properties, but different atomic weights and physical properties. It was soon discovered that some isotopes of elements were radioactive. The dense central portion (called the nucleus) of an atom of the element emits energy in several different forms. Radioisotopes are simply atoms with nuclei that are seeking a more stable nuclear configuration by emitting radiation. Scientists have learned that more radioisotopes could be created by subjecting certain elements to radiation inside a nuclear reactor or bombarding them using a particle accelerator. Gradually we have learned to harness these radioisotopes for use in our modern, high-tech world. In this document are described some of the most common uses for radioisotopes, as well as the relative benefits and hazards involved in their applications. The appendix at the end describes various uses of radioisotopes in this country.