In 1945 united states exploded only two nuclear weapons in a military operation on hiroshima and nagasaki but the survivors of the cities still experience higher than normal cancer rates. Most of the attention focused on nuclear radiation stems from nuclear weapons used on japan and the accident at chernobyl. Effects of nuclear radiation.
The nuclear fuel cycle does not give rise to significant radiation exposure for members of the public and even in two major nuclear accidents three mile island and fukushima exposure to radiation has caused no harm to the public. Nuclear radiation and health effects updated april 2020 natural sources account for most of the radiation we all receive each year. The medical effects of the atomic bomb on hiroshima upon humans can be put into the four categories below with the effects of larger thermonuclear weapons producing blast and thermal effects so large that there would be a negligible number of survivors close enough to the center of the blast who would experience prompt acute radiation effects which were observed after the 16 kiloton yield.
If the amount of radiation is controlled it can be used to treat cancer but if a leak or accidental exposure occurs it would be nearly impossible to control the. When exposed to radiation in large amounts humans can develop cancer. The effects of radiation on humans and animals are well documented as having an extremely detrimental effect.
Several factors are involved in determining the potential health effects of exposure to radiation. Certain body parts are more specifically affected by exposure to different types of radiation sources. Radiation effects on humans.
Effects of nuclear weapons. The amount of radioactive material being released from the damaged nuclear reactors in japan and the eventual impact it will have on human health are still being determined. There are times when the brain can be damaged but this happens only at an exposure that is higher than 5000 rems exposure this high may cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels.
Those who are exposed to 200 rems or more of radiation may have nuclear radiation effects such as the loss of hair or hair that clumps together. The effects of nuclear radiation on different areas of a human body.
