The Impact of Atomic Testing

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses why the U.S. felt it necessary to conduct nuclear testing and explains the types of nuclear tests, what the bomb does and its impact on humans. The paper reveals the extent of the testing, the growing awareness of it and the government cover-ups involved. The paper then describes the Nevada tests and reveals the human guinea pigs used and the long-term impact of these tests. The paper provides a discussion on modern concerns about radioactive fallout exposure but believes that information from people who are seeking compensation for injuries that they link to radioactive fallout exposure should be treated in a cautious manner. The paper does conclude, however, that one becomes inclined to agree with the downwinders' assertions that many scientists are willfully ignoring the overwhelming facts. The paper asserts that the government must realize that the willful poisoning of American citizens is untenable and those who are suffering because of this experimentation deserve compensation.

Outline:
Introduction
Necessity of the Testing
Types of Nuclear Tests
The First Nuclear Test
What the Bomb Does
The Bomb's Impact on Humans
Extent of the Testing
Growing Awareness
Government Cover-ups
Island Testing
The Nevada Tests
Human Guinea Pigs
Impact of the Tests
Long-ranging Impact
The Most Famous Victim
The End of Above-Ground Testing
Modern Concerns
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Though modern people have concerns about atomic testing and the impact of radioactive fallout, ignorance about the atomic bomb and radiation meant that people who were exposed to such testing in the 1950s and 1960s were frequently unaware of the toxic and possibly fatal consequences of such radiation. On the contrary, rather than strive to avoid toxic fallout for bystanders, the government actually went out of its way to minimize the perception of risk. For example, in Las Vegas, businesses actually touted the nuclear testing as "a super fireworks spectacle for tourists." The government did not discourage this use, but instead allowed thousands of civilians and military personnel to fallout that it knew, or certainly suspected, would be hazardous if not lethal."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adams, Cecil. 1984. "Did John Wayne die of cancer caused by a radioactive movie set?" The Straight Dope. http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_016.html (accessed August 19, 2008).
• American Cancer Society. 2006. "Radiation exposure and cancer." Cancer.org. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_1_3X_Radiation_Exposure_and_Cancer.asp?sitearea=PED (accessed August 19, 2008).
• Ball, Howard. 1996. "Downwind from the bomb." The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DEED61438F93AA35751C0A960948260&sec=health&spon=&pagewanted=1 (accessed August 19, 2008).
• Brodersen, Tom. 2002. "Compensation available to fallout cancer victims." Sharlot Hall Museum. http://www.sharlot.org/archives/history/dayspast/text/2002_08_25.shtml (accessed August 18, 2008).
• Brown, Daniel, Elizabeth Crawford, Helen Jaskoski, Gilbert Kim, Jonathan Parfrey, Robin Podolsky, and Sharmeen Premjee. 2006. Physicans for social responsibility- Los Angeles military tour of southern California. PSRLA.org. http://www.psrla.org/documents/militarytourguide.pdf (accessed August 19, 2008).

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