Fallout radiation and its impact on man

Fallout effects from nuclear explosions are discussed giving examples of the first atom bomb explosion of 1945 in Japan and H-bomb explosion on Bikini Island in Pacific in 1954. Fission and fusion processes which cause nuclear explosions are briefly explained. Genesis of radiation fallout and its types viz. (1) local or early fallout and (2) world-wide or delayed fallout are described. Local fallout being at very low altitude is more harmful as compared to world-wide or delayed fallout which may be either tropospheric or stratospheric. Hazards from radioisotopes such as 131I, 90Sr, 89Sr, 137Cs and 14C produced from nuclear fallout are described. Radiations cause a wide range of symptoms and syndromes characterized by 'radiation sickness'. Somatic and genetic effects induced by fallout radiations are explained. (B.G.W.)