Chemical and biological consequences of beta-decay. Part 1.

Radioactive decay in a labelled molecule leads to specific chemical and biological consequences which are due to local transmutation effects such as recoil, electronic excitation, build-up of charge states and change of chemical identity, as well as to internal radiolytic effects. In the present paper these effects are reviewed emphasizing the relation of the chemical alterations on a molecular level to the biological manifestation. Potential importance of this type of research for biomedical applications is pointed out. In part 1 we review the underlying physical and chemical principles and consequences of beta-decay of 3H, 14C, 32P, 33P, 35S and 125I for gaseous and simple condensed organic systems. Part 2 which will appear in the next issue will include the discussion of biological effects associated with beta-decay.