A century of radiochemistry: Its growth and development as a unique scientific discipline
Members of the nuclear science and technology community produce the isotopes that are basic to major sectors of medicine, national security, energy, safety, technology and manufacturing.
The most well-known use is in nuclear medicine and radiobiology, where radionuclides are used by tens of thousands of patients every day in the US for diagnosis and treatment of disease.
The techniques developed by nuclear and radiochemists are used extensively in disciplines that range across modern science: physics, chemistry, biology, geology, atmospheric science, oceanography, archeology, agriculture, and even art history.
Although sometimes overlooked, the nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear safeguards, and thus national security, depend on the work of nuclear chemists.