Biological Effects of the Atomic Bomb (Level 1 and 2)

Level 1: Thermal and Ionizing Radiation

Thermal radiation consists of infra-red and ultraviolet light rays and it is released when an atomic bomb explodes, producing huge amounts of heat energy.

Ionizing radiation is caused by beta particles and gamma rays. Ionization is the process in which an atom or molecule loses or gains electrons. Since electrons have a relative charge of -1, the atom or molecule can become Ions which are positively or negatively charged particles. Beta particles can penetrate the skin partially. Gamma rays are highly penetrating and can penetrate the skin and even pass through thick layers of concrete. For more information on beta particles and gamma rays, refer to Level 2 of Physics.

Level 2: Skin Burns

Thermal Burns

Thermal Burns are caused by thermal radiation and are differentiated into primary and secondary thermal burns. Primary thermal burns are flash burns, experienced when one is 2-3 kilometers from the center from the explosion. Thin scars that form will thicken to become keloids after 3-4 months. Keloids is an overgrowth of scar tissue on the surface of a wound, and is an irregularly shaped protrusion.

Secondary thermal burns are flame, scorch and contact burns, which are experienced when one is 1-2 kilometers from ground zero. The victim's skin will be heavily scarred or even melt if he is very near the center of the nuclear explosion, due to the internal tissues being destroyed by extreme temperatures and radiation. 

Beta Burns

Beta particles from Ionizing radiation can penetrate the skin partially, causing 'beta burns'. Beta burns in victims of the atomic bomb blast are usually a burning sensation or itching in the first 2 days.Some victims may experience hyperemia: an increased amount of blood flow to areas suffering from beta burns. 

The burnt areas start to redden as ionizing radiation damages the cells and cause redness around burnt areas (erythema). Other symptoms include increased skin pigmentation around the burnt region.

Beta burns are classified from 1st to 4th degree burns.

Victims of first degree beta burns suffer damages mostly at the epidermis (surface of the skin) and the skin will also start to peel off in a process called desquamation. Furthermore, scabs will gradually form at the burnt region. 

Victims of second degree beta burns suffer from blisters in the burnt region. 

Victims of third and fourth degree beta burns suffer from various damages from deep and wet ulcerated lesions to ulcerated necrotic dermatitis, which is the inflammation of the skin when the victim suffers from heavy tissue damages in the region. 

Beta burns are also caused by exposure to the radioactive fallout after the atomic bomb blast. A nuclear fallout forms when residual radioactive material released by the atomic blast rises into the upper atmosphere. It can either fall back to the ground after the shockwave of the blast has passed, or mix with precipitation and fall as black rain. When the victims are exposed to the radiation or they come into contact with the precipitation, they will also suffer from beta burns. 

The eye lens are the most vulnerable to beta burns due to their exposed nature and they can only be protected with the usage of instruments like safety goggles. 

Gamma Burns

Gamma rays pose a huge radioactive threat to the human body due to its high penetrative powers, resulting to internal “gamma burns” on the skin in some cases. Gamma rays also damage the cells of the body, causing erythema in the affected region