Skip to Navigation
Skip to Content

Support PSR!

Make a difference in the challenge to confront global warming and prevent nuclear war and the development and use of nuclear weapons.

Donate Now »

Take Action

Climate change’s threats to human health and life are growing. Will you join our latest effort to roll back climate change?

Projected US Casualties and Destruction of US Medical Services From Attacks by Russian Nuclear Forces

The number of direct, short term casualties and collateral damage to US medical services were calculated for two thermonuclear attack scenarios: 1) 2,000 Russian warheads believed to be on high alert status today; and 2) a future Russian force of 500 warheads targeted in response to the deployment of a US National Missile Defense (NMD) system. The first scenario would cause 52 million prompt fatalities, 9 million injuries, and massive destruction of US health facilities. The second scenario produces more than 100 million casualties. Even with an effective US NMD system— defined as capable of successfully intercepting more than 100 warheads—nearly 70 million fatalities would occur. 

PDF Version

Browse Resources

Action Alerts

  • Re: A willingness to lead

    Tell Congress to approve a budget that pushes the Administration to make a bold reduction in our nuclear arsenal.

  • You can prevent the next Cuban Missile Crisis!

    50 years ago this week, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of a cataclysmic nuclear war. Today, you can help ensure that the lessons of this crisis are not forgotten by writing a letter to the editor.

More action alerts»

Resources

  • Nuclear Famine: A Billion People at Risk

    The newly generated data on the decline in agricultural production that would follow a limited, regional nuclear war in South Asia support the concern that more than one billion people would be in danger of starvation. Epidemic disease and further conflict spawned by such a famine would put additional hundreds of millions at risk. Read more »

  • Shock and Awe Hits Home

    The military operational costs of the war in Iraq, now greater than $500 billion, have surpassed those for the entire Vietnam conflict. These escalating operational costs are alarming, yet the long-term public health costs will be much greater. Read more »

  • Video: Nukes, Militarism and Public Health

    Interview with PSR board member Dr. Andy Kanter. Read more »

In the Spotlight

  • September 20, 2013
    Conference: Climate Smart Southwest
    Build new and fortify existing cross-cultural, community, and governmental partnerships to educate and engage community action to address the anticipated public health impacts of climate change in the Southwest, September 20-21.