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Module - V Nuclear Warfare

Warfare and
Its Types 12.5 Nuclear Radiation

Nuclear radiation is divided into two categories:

(a) Initial: Initial radiation is defined as that emitted during the first minute following
detonation. It consists of gamma radiation and neutrons produced during fission
or fusion, which irradiate material.
Note
(b) Residual: Residual radiation is that which remains after one minute, post
detonation. It is essentially neutron induced activity and 'fallout' of radioactive
material.
When a nuclear weapon detonates, many neutrons are released. These cause
imbalances in the nucleus of weapon material, the atmosphere and in the elements they
interact. Many of these substances become radioactive resulting into emission of
alpha and beta particles accompanied by gamma radiation. The ground area beneath
a nuclear burst can become highly radioactive due to this process.

12.5.1 Nuclear Fallout

A fireball contains vapourised weapon residue. Radioactivity is induced into this fireball
material by neutron bombardment. As the fireball rises, it will cool and form a cloud,
which stabilizes in height and size. At the same time, the radioactive particles in the
cloud begin to fall back towards earth. These particles travel along with the wind to
settle and form areas of radioactive contamination. If rain falls through the radioactive
cloud, water falling on ground also contaminates the ground and is called 'rainout'.

12.5.2 Radiation Effects on Personnel

All forms of nuclear radiation can cause injury to man. Cell death or damage is caused
by ionization of body cells by gamma radiation. Blood cells, the stomach lining and the
skin are more readily damaged than bones and muscle. Beta particles on or close to
the body cause 'beta burns' in the form of lesions or blisters, which can take long time
to heal and are open to infection. Alfa particles cause intense ionization of body cells,
if in contact. Any radioactive particles ingested or otherwise admitted to the body may
be toxic, in addition to the hazards created from radiation.
• Symptoms of Radiation Damage: The symptoms of radiation effects in
personnel are usually described as 'radiation sickness'. Some of them are given
below: -

• Initial symptoms of headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and general
malaise.
• A symptom-free period with apparent recovery.

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MILITARY STUDIES