The longest illness. Effects of nuclear war in children

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Am. J. Dis. Child.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1984.02140410071021· OSTI ID:6915158

Kappy, M S

The destruction of civilization that would follow a nuclear war would render any disaster ever recorded insignificant. Millions of people would perish during the first few hours, and many more would die in the months to come. Survival would exist only in the strictest sense of the word, since societal disorganization, famine, drought, darkness, and nuclear winter would envelope the earth. The comparative frailty of children and their dependence on adults would render them most susceptible to the acute effects of a nuclear holocaust. Furthermore, studies of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan bombings showed a disproportionate propensity for children to experience leukemias and other cancers years after the bombings. There were also great increases in perinatal deaths and cases of microcephaly and retardation in children exposed in utero to the bombs. In the event that there are future generations after a nuclear war, the issue of heritable genetic effects will become important. Suggestions of permanent genetic damage are emerging from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki studies. By comparison, the genetic effects of modern weaponry will be incalculable.

• Research Organization: Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, J. Hillis Miller Health Center, Gainesville
• OSTI ID: 6915158
• Journal Information: Am. J. Dis. Child.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Dis. Child.; (United States) Vol. 138:3; ISSN AJDCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AGE GROUPS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
CHILDREN
EXPLOSIONS
FORECASTING
GENETIC EFFECTS
GENETIC RADIATION EFFECTS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
MORTALITY
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION HAZARDS
WARFARE
WEAPONS