On the danger from radioactivity arising from an unbroken series of atomic bomb trials

Abstract

Calculations are made of the consequences of radioactive fallout, assumed to be dispersed over the earth's surface, from an uninterrupted series of trial atomic explosions at the rate of 11 megatons-equivalent of TNT per year. It is shown that by the end of the century the concentration of ⁹⁰Sr in the vertebrae of a large section of the world's population may have exceeded the present official tolerance figure. Each year of continued tests will give rise to another 44,000 genetically handicapped individuals with hereditary ailments, and to 29,000 cases of leukaemia.