[The history of radioactivity and its applications in hygiene and therapy].
Since Antiquity, the observation of matter and its composition has been fascinating for the human mind. It represented the core of philosophical studies since the atomistic theory by Leucippus and Democritus, as well as of the opposed theory of elements by Empedocles, Plato and Aristoteles. Research on the atom, on its spontaneous or artificial disgregation, on the practical application of radioactive substances has strongly influenced daily life and the development of knowledge. Products containing radioactive substances have been used, often without regulation or control, in many scientific fields, as well as in medicine and cosmetics.
Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma, I. carmela.corrao@uniroma1.it
Carmela Romana Natalina
CR
Corrao
Carla
C
Serarcangeli
D002621:Chemistry / Q000266:history; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000266:history; D004603:Elements, Radioactive / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006283:Health Physics / Q000266:history; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D010825:Physics / Q000266:history; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release / Q000266:history / Q000523:psychology; D011851:Radioactivity; D011859:Radiography / Q000266:history*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000266:history*; D012306:Risk
D003358:Cosmetics; D004603:Elements, Radioactive