The fascinating science and history of radiation

More than ever before, radiation is a part of our modern daily lives. We own radiation-emitting phones, regularly get diagnostic x-rays, such as mammograms, and submit to full-body security scans at airports. We worry and debate about the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the safety of nuclear power plants. But how much do we really know about radiation? And what are its actual dangers? An accessible blend of narrative history and science, Strange Glow describes mankind's extraordinary, thorny relationship with radiation, including the hard-won lessons of how radiation helps and harms our health. Timothy Jorgensen explores how our knowledge of and experiences with radiation in the last century can lead us to smarter personal decisions about radiation exposures today.

Jorgensen introduces key figures in the story of radiation—from Wilhelm Roentgen, the discoverer of x-rays, and pioneering radioactivity researchers Marie and Pierre Curie, to Thomas Edison and the victims of the recent Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. Tracing the most important events in the evolution of radiation, Jorgensen explains exactly what radiation is, how it produces certain health consequences, and how we can protect ourselves from harm. He also considers a range of practical scenarios such as the risks of radon in our basements, radiation levels in the fish we eat, questions about cell-phone use, and radiation's link to cancer. Jorgensen empowers us to make informed choices while offering a clearer understanding of broader societal issues.

Investigating radiation's benefits and risks, Strange Glow takes a remarkable look at how, for better or worse, radiation has transformed our society.

"Jorgensen walks readers through the history of humanity's interaction with radiation. . . . [Strange Glow] is a solid, accessible work, but perhaps its most beneficial aspect is that Jorgensen equips readers with enough knowledge to make their own risk assessments, whether it is of a potential medical diagnostic test or a particular consumer decision." - Publishers Weekly

"Unbiased, comprehensible information on radiation risk is hard to come by. . . .Strange Glow fills this gap." - Science

"Narrative science at its best . . . a propulsive story, each piece building on the next in a series of progressive revelations. . . . A seismic piece of scientific inquiry, top shelf in narrative style and illumination." - Kirkus

"The only antidote to irrational fear is knowledge, and Strange Glow imparts this in spades." - Independent

"Strange Glow isn't about lessening what is largely a sensible fear, but about removing some of the mystery and misunderstanding. . . . This is a long overdue and successful attempt to rationalise an emotional subject by telling its story in very human terms." - Engineering & Technology News

"Strange Glow is a cracking good read, filled with fascinating stories about the people behind the science." - Literary Review

"Strange Glow is clear, engaging and refreshingly willing to treat the reader as a thinking adult." - Japan Times

"Strange Glow is a fantastic, well-written book about the benefits and risks of radiation. Jorgenson uses common prose so that a wide range of readers can follow the discussions. . . .The book includes extensive, useful, and lucid discussions on medical x-rays and radon gas. Readers also learn the facts regarding the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima nuclear reactor meltdowns and the problems they cause. [A] well-researched book." - Choice

"Informative, fast paced and entertaining. . . . I guarantee you will be engaged and surprised." - Chemistry World