The shock wave is most damaging at the site of the explosion. It acts like a very strong, very fast wind. Close to the explosion, it can topple skyscrapers and overturn vehicles. People are injured or killed when buildings collapse. The effect gets weaker the farther the shock wave travels from the center of the blast. The shock wave can be felt many miles from the explosion.
Shockwave Pressure
Percent County
Description
1 PSI
8.23%
Windows shatter
Some trees knocked down
Roof damage to many buildings
Injuries mainly from flying glass or small objects
The explosion sucks up bits of the ground around the bomb, carries them high into the air, blasts them into tiny particles and irradiates them. These particles can be carried hundreds, or even thousands of miles, as they slowly drift down to earth in a a "fallout cloud." Where the cloud passes and lands, it showers radioactivity. Exposure to uncontrolled radioactivity can be harmful to living organisms. Because winds are very unpredictable, the fallout information shown here is based upon the average winds. Small changes in the wind can cause large changes in the results.
Month of Blast
Average Total Rad.*
Description
January
50 Rads
No fatalities
Temporary reduced immune system functioning
No noticeable symptoms
Medical supervision not needed
February
40 Rads
No fatalities
Temporary reduced immune system functioning
No noticeable symptoms
Medical supervision not needed
March
50 Rads
No fatalities
Temporary reduced immune system functioning
No noticeable symptoms
Medical supervision not needed
April
10 Rads
No noticeable effects.
May
530 Rads
60 to 90% fatal.
Death (if occurs) in 2 to 12 weeks.
Nausea, loss of appetite
Malaise, fatigue
Hair loss
Serious digestive upset
Temporary male sterility
Permanent female sterility
More susceptible to illness and infection
Intense medical care required
Treatment: blood transfusions, antibiotics
June
40 Rads
No fatalities
Temporary reduced immune system functioning
No noticeable symptoms
Medical supervision not needed
July
300 Rads
35% fatal
Death (if occurs) in 2 to 12 weeks
Nausea, loss of appetite
Malaise, fatigue
Temporary reduced immune system functioning
Temporary male sterility
More susceptible to illness and infection
Medical care required
Treatment: blood transfusions, antibiotics
August
320 Rads
50% fatal.
Death (if occurs) in 2 to 12 weeks.
Nausea, loss of appetite
Malaise, fatigue
Hair loss
Digestive upset
Temporary male sterility
Probable permanent female sterility
More susceptible to illness and infection
Medical care required
Treatment: blood transfusions, antibiotics
September
310 Rads
50% fatal.
Death (if occurs) in 2 to 12 weeks.
Nausea, loss of appetite
Malaise, fatigue
Hair loss
Digestive upset
Temporary male sterility
Probable permanent female sterility
More susceptible to illness and infection
Medical care required
Treatment: blood transfusions, antibiotics
October
310 Rads
50% fatal.
Death (if occurs) in 2 to 12 weeks.
Nausea, loss of appetite
Malaise, fatigue
Hair loss
Digestive upset
Temporary male sterility
Probable permanent female sterility
More susceptible to illness and infection
Medical care required
Treatment: blood transfusions, antibiotics
November
390 Rads
50% fatal.
Death (if occurs) in 2 to 12 weeks.
Nausea, loss of appetite
Malaise, fatigue
Hair loss
Digestive upset
Temporary male sterility
Probable permanent female sterility
More susceptible to illness and infection
Medical care required
Treatment: blood transfusions, antibiotics
December
380 Rads
50% fatal.
Death (if occurs) in 2 to 12 weeks.
Nausea, loss of appetite
Malaise, fatigue
Hair loss
Digestive upset
Temporary male sterility
Probable permanent female sterility
More susceptible to illness and infection
Medical care required
Treatment: blood transfusions, antibiotics
* = The average fallout received in a one month period following the blasts. Certain areas may receive more or less depending on winds and other factors.
Shaken