stralingskunde

Stralingskunde is the study and application of radiation and its effects, spanning from the physical properties of radiation to its measurement, control and biological impact. The field covers ionizing radiation such as X-rays, gamma rays, alpha and beta particles, as well as non-ionizing forms used in medicine and industry. Its core aim is to understand how radiation interacts with matter, how to quantify exposure through dosimetry, and how to minimize risks to people and the environment. Subfields include radiological protection (stralingsbescherming), dosimetry, health physics, radiobiology, and radiation metrology.

Applications of stralingskunde include medical imaging and radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, industrial radiography, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness. Practical work combines physics, biology and engineering to design safe sources and devices, set exposure limits, and monitor workplaces and patients. A central principle is ALARA, or staying as low as reasonably achievable, guided by justification of procedures and optimization of protection.

Regulation and history: Radiation protection and safety standards are issued by national authorities and international bodies, with organizations such as the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) providing guidelines. The discipline emerged from early discoveries of X-rays and radioactivity and evolved with dosimetry and safety protocols in the 20th century. In contemporary practice, stralingskunde informs medical physics, occupational safety, environmental monitoring, and public health.