Military Nuclear Accidents

The use of atomic energy for military purposes has given rise to a variety of nuclear accidents from the outset. This applies to all levels of use: from the manufacture of weapons to their commissioning. This book provides an overview of the potential impact of such accidents. The prospective consequences of local and global nuclear war are detailed. Similarly, for each accident, the environmental, ecological, health and socio-economic consequences are reviewed. The contamination of the environment and its fauna and flora is detailed and the effects of ionizing radiation are reported. The same is provided for human populations and the adverse effects on the health and physical and mental states of the populations concerned. The economic cost of accidents is also evaluated. The research presented in this book is based on scientifically recognized publications, and reports from the military forces of the various countries concerned and from the national and international organizations competent in this field (IAEA, WHO, UNSCEAR, IRSN, ICPR, etc.).

Autorentext

Jean-Claude Amiard is a Doctor of Radioecology, Emeritus Research Director at the CNRS and former Associate Professor in Quebec and China. He is the author of more than 150 publications, 60 books or book chapters and 150 presentations in international conferences.

Inhalt

Acknowledgments xi

Acronyms and Abbreviations xiii

Preface xix

Chapter 1. Classification of Nuclear Accidents 1

1.1. Classification of nuclear events: incident or accident? 1

1.2. Military classification 3

1.3. Acknowledged, unknown and secret accidents 6

1.4. Origin and frequency of accidents 8

1.4.1. Origin of accidents 8

1.4.2. Frequency of accidents 8

Chapter 2. Birth of Atomic Weapons and Their First Atrocious Applications 11

2.1. Introduction 11

2.1.1. Discoveries of natural and artificial radioactivity 12

2.1.2. The discovery of fission and the first nuclear reactor 13

2.1.3. The A-bomb 14

2.1.4. French research work before and after World War II 15

2.2. The explosions in Hiroshima and Nagasaki: the first appalling applications of fission 16

2.2.1. The facts 17

2.2.2. The immediate effects (destruction of buildings) 18

2.2.3. The environmental consequences 20

2.2.4. Health consequences 23

2.2.5. The sociological costs 32

2.2.6. The economic costs 33

2.3. Conclusion 35

Chapter 3. Atomic Bomb Tests 37

3.1. Introduction 37

3.1.1. Test sites 39

3.1.2. Various types of atomic tests 42

3.1.3. Safety of atmospheric tests 43

3.1.4. Various phases of a nuclear explosion 43

3.2. Atmospheric atomic tests: massive voluntary releases 44

3.2.1. A-bombs 45

3.2.2. H-bombs 45

3.2.3. Production of radionuclides from an explosion 46

3.2.4. Production of particles and aerosols 47

3.2.5. Surface deposits 48

3.2.6. Accidents during atmospheric atomic tests 48

3.3. Accidents during underground atomic tests 52

3.3.1. Radioactive releases during underground tests. 52

3.3.2. Soviet accidents 52

3.3.3. American accidents 53

3.3.4. French accidents 53

3.3.5. British and Chinese accidents 54

3.4. Environmental consequences 54

3.4.1. Geomechanical consequences 54

3.4.2. Environmental contaminations 55

3.5. Worldwide spatial consequences of atomic tests 67

3.6. Health consequences 71

3.6.1. Health consequences to military personnel 72

3.6.2. Health consequences on workers 73

3.6.3. Health consequences on local populations 74

3.6.4. Health consequences on the world population 90

3.7. Sociological consequences 91

3.7.1. Taking into account the harm suffered from French tests 91

3.7.2. The case of American military personnel and civilians 94

3.7.3. Psychological illnesses related to nuclear explosions 94

3.8. Economic impact 95

3.8.1. Compensation for military personnel and local populations 95

3.8.2. The cost of French tests at Mururoa and Fangataufa 99

3.9. Conclusion 99

Chapter 4. Accidents Involving Deterrence 101

4.1. Introduction 101

4.1.1. The principle of nuclear deterrence 101

4.1.2. Acquisition of the bomb 103

4.1.3. From massive retaliation to flexible response 104

4.1.4. The second path to nuclear arms 104

4.1.5. The situation in the 21st Century 105

4.1.6. The main non-proliferation treaties 106

4.2. Accidents involving weapons in service 107

4.2.1. Accidents involving bombers carrying nuclear weapons 107

4.2.2. Accidents involving submarines carrying nuclear weapons 110

4.2.3. Missile and rocket accidents 116

4.2.4. Accidents during armed missile tests 117

4.2.5. Accidents involving power generators and satellites 119

4.2.6. Various accidents 120

4.3. Consequences for the environment 121

4.3.1. Consequences of bomber aircraft accidents 121

4.3.2. Consequences of submarine wrecks 124

4.3.3. Consequences of submerged military waste 127 4.4. Consequences for flora ...