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18. History and Philosophy of Health Physics. The discovery of X-rays instantly revolutionized the field of physics and medicine. Experimentation with radioactivity resulted in injury to early scientists. Practitioners suggested a variety of safety rules.
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18 History and Philosophy of Health Physics • The discovery of X-rays instantly revolutionized the field of physics and medicine. • Experimentation with radioactivity resulted in injury to early scientists. • Practitioners suggested a variety of safety rules. • Health Physics coined as a term in the early 1940s during the Manhattan Project. HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29
HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29 19 Pioneers in Radiation Research • Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (1845-1923) • Discovered X-rays in 1895 • Received the first Nobel Prize for physics in 1901 Radiograph of Frau Röntgen's hand
Röngten’s Tools of the Trade 20 HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29
Röngten’s Due Recognition 21 HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29
HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29 22 Pioneers in Radiation Research • Antoine Henri Becquerel (1852-1908) • discovered natural radioactivity in 1896 • noted differences between X-rays and other radiation types
HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29 23 Pioneers in Radiation Research • Pierre Curie (1859-1906)Marie Curie (1867-1934) • Coined the term radioactivity • Discovered Radium and Polonium
HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29 24 Pioneers in Radiation Research • Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937) • named alpha, beta, and proton particles • used the exponential equation to calculate decay • related decay to half-life
HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29 25 Radiation Injuries • Dally becomes first U.S. casualty • Edison quits rad work in his lab • 1915 - British Röntgen Society takes action to improve safety "...placing [his hand] between the fluoroscope and the X-ray tube...."
HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29 26 New York WorldMonday, August 3, 1903 "Don't talk to me about X-rays," he said. "I am afraid of them. I stopped experimenting with them two years ago, when I came near to losing my eyesight and Dally, my assistant practically lost the use of both of his arms. I am afraid of radium and polonium too, and I don't want to monkey with them. "
HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29 27 American Journal of Clinical Medicine Dr. C. G. Davis noted that “Radioactivity prevents insanity, rouses noble emotions, retards old age, and creates a splendid youthful joyous life.”
HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29 28 Revigator (ca. 1920) • Users were provided the following instructions: 1. Fill jar every night. 2. Use hydrant or any good water. 3. Drink freely when thirsty and upon arising and retiring. Average six or more glasses daily.
HPT001.002 Revision 2 Page of 29 29 Radithor (ca. 1928) • Triple distilled water guaranteed to contain at least 1 microcurie each of Ra-226 and Ra-228. • linked to Eben Byers death at age 51. • teeth fell out; holes appeared in his skull.