title: [Radioecology as a branch of natural science: some thoughts on the interesting past, intricate and vital present and future prospects].
abstract: The paper describes more than a century-old history of radioecology, science which studies radionuclide migration in the environment and ionizing radiation effects on biota. The main stages are identified in the development of this branch of natural science associated with the study of problems of radioactive contamination of the biosphere (global radionuclide fallout after nuclear weapons tests, radiation accidents with the release of radioactive substances to the environment). Currently, the basic imperative of radioecological investigations is the analysis of radioecological aspects of nuclear power engineering (mainly problems of radioactive waste management). Issues are discussed of radiation protection of biota (environment)--the anthropocentric (sanitary-hygienic) and ecocentric approaches. The importance of radioecology is indicated as the most advanced field of ecology in studying anthropogenic effects on the nature.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Aleksakhin
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Prister
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004463:Ecology / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D010811:Natural Science Disciplines / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D011870:Radiologic Health / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*; D011871:Radiology / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*
chemical_list: D011868:Radioisotopes