You might have heard about nuclear bombs and the damage they can cause. But did you know that atmospheric nuclear testing of these bombs can also be harmful?
Atmospheric nuclear tests are experiments where nuclear bombs are detonated in the air, usually high above the ground. These tests were common in the mid-20th century.
In this blog, we’ll talk about what atmospheric nuclear tests are and the health risks they pose.
What Are Atmospheric Nuclear Tests?
Atmospheric nuclear tests refer to nuclear bombs set off in the air to see how powerful and destructive they are. The United States, the Soviet Union, and other countries did many tests between the 1940s and 1960s to learn more about nuclear weapons.
How Do They Affect the Atmosphere?
When a nuclear bomb explodes high up in the air, it makes a big fire and releases a lot of energy. This energy has heat, light, and radiation in it. The explosion sends tiny pieces called radioactive particles up into the sky. They can go really far up before they come back down to the ground. When the tiny pieces do come back, they make the land, water, and air contaminated with radiation.
Health Risks from Radiation
The main concern with atmospheric nuclear tests is that they release radiation. There are different forms of radiation, and the one that can damage us the most is called ionizing radiation. This type of radiation can harm cells and DNA.
Here are some health problems that can develop if you were exposed to radiation from these tests:
Cancer
One of the most serious health risks of atmospheric nuclear tests is cancer. Exposure to radiation can increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, including thyroid cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer.
Radiation can change the DNA in cells, causing them to grow out of control and the creation of tumors.
Birth Defects
When pregnant women are exposed to radiation, their babies may have problems when they are born. These problems can be with the way their bodies look, how they think, and how they grow. This happens because the radiation can harm the baby while it is growing inside its mother’s body.
Thyroid Issues
The thyroid gland, which is in your throat, is easily affected by radiation. If there is a nuclear test in the air, a type of radioactive material called iodine can get into the thyroid. This can cause diseases like an underactive or overactive thyroid.
Radiation Sickness
If someone gets a lot of radiation, they might get sick. This can make them feel like throwing up, have diarrhea, and be very tired. In severe cases, it could hurt their organs and even be life-threatening.
Individuals close to atmospheric nuclear test sites could be at higher risk.
Long-Term Environmental Impact
The radioactive particles from atmospheric nuclear tests don’t just disappear; they can remain in the environment for many years.
Radioactive material can get on the ground and make the soil dirty. This can affect plants that grow in it and people who eat those plants. The radioactive material can also get into water like rivers and lakes, which is not safe for drinking or for animals living in it.
The danger to people’s health from atmospheric nuclear tests doesn’t go away quickly. Even years later, people who live in these areas may still have a higher chance of getting cancer or other sicknesses caused by radiation.
Preventive Measures and Global Actions
Due to the serious health risks from atmospheric nuclear tests, many countries have taken steps to prevent further atmospheric nuclear testing. In 1963, the Partial Test Ban Treaty was signed by the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom. This treaty banned nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater.
Later, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was introduced, aiming to ban all nuclear explosions, although it has not yet been enacted.
Atmospheric Nuclear Testing and Compensation for Downwinders
Downwinders, or people living in areas where radioactive fallout has occurred, often face severe health issues due to radiation exposure. These issues include increased risks of cancer, thyroid problems, and other serious illnesses.
If you or your loved ones have been affected by the fallout from atmospheric nuclear testing, you may be eligible for compensation of up to $50,000 under RECA. At the Cancer Benefits Center for Downwinders, we help eligible people file claims and collect compensation.
Contact us today at (855) 631-7197 to learn more about how we can help you with your claims. We look forward to serving you!
Downwinders® Claims