What are the Side Effects of Radiation Exposure From Bikini Island?

Bikini Island, also known as Bikini Atoll, suffered devastating radiation fallout after detonation of the hydrogen bomb (March 1, 1954) and nuclear testing that was completed on the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958. Prior to the detonation of the hydrogen bomb several hundred native people were forced to relocate so the nuclear testing could be concluded. The fallout was devastating for the previous inhabitants of the island who later returned.

Immediate Physical Destruction

• When the hydrogen bomb was initially dropped on the island, it destroyed everything on three islands, brought water temperatures in the area to around 55,000 degrees Celsius, and left a crater a little over a mile wide.

Native Inhabitants

• The natives that returned to the island began to suffer from severe radiation poisoning from the fallout. This exposure to the radiation left all inhabitants with a greatly increased risk of cancer as well as minor burns and even early death in some cases.

Evacuation

• After 10 years the island was evacuated when it was noticed that high doses of cesium-137 and strontium-90 (both radioactive isotopes) were negatively affecting the inhabitants and environment of the island. The island still remains uninhabitable for human life.

Soil and Water

• The radiation exposure has been absorbed into the surface of the island and is carried through the water. This leaves soil contaminated and many of the plants remain inedible because they contain high doses of radiation. This is also true for sea life. Fish and other sea animals are inedible because of the high doses of radiation.

Coral Reef

• The radiation exposure has left the island with almost no visitors. This has allowed a dramatic comeback for the coral wildlife. Although this is a small feat for the little island, it still seems that due to both the initial detonation and additional radiation exposure there are still 42 species of coral that are missing.