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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.
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Resources
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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 »
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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 »
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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.