After the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima, people still live there.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the aftermath of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima, specifically focusing on the persistence of radiation and the timeline for habitation in the area post-bombing. Participants explore the implications of radiation exposure and the types of isotopes involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how long it takes for radiation to dissipate after the bombing.
  • Another participant provides a link to a Wikipedia article discussing the half-life of radioactive fallout.
  • A participant inquires about the timeline for when people began to inhabit Hiroshima again after the bombing.
  • It is suggested that immediate dangers from the bombing, such as the blast effects, were more significant than radiation exposure, with only a small percentage of casualties attributed to radiation.
  • A participant mentions that Iodine-131, a dangerous isotope, has a short half-life of 8 days, implying it becomes negligible after a couple of months, while Cesium-137, with a longer half-life of 30 years, is noted for its lower absorption in the body.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of radiation compared to other immediate effects of the bombing. There is no consensus on the timeline for habitation or the long-term effects of radiation exposure.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about radiation effects depend on specific definitions and assumptions regarding exposure levels and types of isotopes. The discussion does not resolve the complexities of radiation persistence or health impacts over time.

Nusc
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After the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima, people still live there.

How long does it take for the radiation to go away?
 
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How long before the started to inhabit the area?
 


Straight away, radiation is really the least of your problems if somebody detonates a bomb above your head.
Only about 10-15% of the initial casualties were due to radiation and long term very few - something like a few hundred excess cancer deaths over the last 50years.

Basically everybody close enough to receive a dangerous radiation dose are killed by the blast or it's immediate results.
 


Nusc said:
After the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima, people still live there.

How long does it take for the radiation to go away?

That is a legitimate question.
 


The most dangerous isotope from a Hiroshima type bomb is probably Iodine 131 with a half life of 8days, so after a couple of months it is essentially zero.
Ceasium 137 with a half life of 30years is also produced but it's not very easily absorbed in the body.
 

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