Nuclear fallout

Nuclear fallout is the residual radioactive material propelled into the upper atmosphere following a nuclear explosion, such as a nuclear weapon detonation or a nuclear reactor accident. This material can disperse over a large area and settle to the ground, posing a significant risk to human health and the environment.

Overview

Nuclear fallout is typically composed of hundreds of different isotopes, including strontium-90, cesium-137, and iodine-131, which are all highly radioactive. These isotopes can contaminate the air, soil, and water, and can enter the food chain, leading to significant health risks.

Formation

Nuclear fallout forms during a nuclear explosion when the intense heat vaporizes everything within the immediate vicinity of the blast, including the ground and any buildings or other structures. This vaporized material mixes with the radioactive materials produced by the nuclear reaction, and is propelled into the upper atmosphere by the force of the explosion. This material then condenses into tiny particles, which are carried by wind currents and eventually fall back to the ground.

Health Effects

Exposure to nuclear fallout can have severe health effects, including acute radiation sickness, cancer, and genetic damage. The risk of health effects depends on the amount of radiation a person is exposed to, the duration of exposure, and the individual's health status. Certain isotopes pose particular risks. For example, iodine-131 can accumulate in the thyroid gland, increasing the risk of thyroid cancer.

Protection

Protection against nuclear fallout involves measures to prevent exposure to the radioactive materials. This can include sheltering in place, decontamination procedures, and the use of potassium iodide tablets to protect the thyroid gland from iodine-131.

See Also

• Nuclear weapon
• Nuclear explosion
• Radiation sickness
• Cesium-137
• Strontium-90
• Iodine-131