South African Journal of Science Print version ISSN 0038-2353
HUNTER, Alistair. Radiation biology: an important science for an
advanced nuclear nation like South Africa. S. Afr. j. sci.
[online]. 2012, vol.108, n.7-8, pp. 33-43. ISSN 0038-2353. The
sustainability of radiation biology (radiobiology) is under
threat in South Africa because of underdevelopment in the
discipline, despite the fact that South Africa has been a user
of radiation since radioactivity and X-rays were discovered. The
widespread use of radiation in medicine, nuclear reactors,
particle accelerators and other sophisticated nuclear facilities
in South Africa makes it imperative that the interaction of
radiation with biological systems is understood. For example,
radiobiology is critical in radiation oncology and cancer
treatment. Radiobiology is a distinctly biological science and
its uniqueness and value should be highlighted to provide
insight for authorities and other relevant parties. Regrettably,
radiobiology has been largely neglected