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The effects of nuclear weapons on human health


The explosion of a nuclear weapon releases a combination of heat, blast waves and radiation. These forces have the potential to kill and injure massive numbers of people, to obliterate homes, buildings and infrastructure, and to have severe consequences for the environment.

Whether the explosion is a result of a missile strike during an armed conflict, an act of terrorism or an accidental detonation, it will have a major impact on the health of those directly affected and on the capacity to provide assistance to survivors in the immediate aftermath.