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Tackling the threat of nuclear terrorism
February 06, 2002
The only effective way to tackle the threat of nuclear terrorism is to abolish nuclear weapons and establish strict international control of all fissile materials that could be used to make new weapons, argue three US physicians in this week's BMJ. In the aftermath of 11 September 2001, nuclear terrorism has emerged as a real threat and could take several forms, from an attack on nuclear power plants and reactors to the detonation of a nuclear bomb in an urban area, write the authors.
Using computer technology, they have calculated the potential impact of a major nuclear explosion at ground level in New York City. The blast and thermal effects of such an explosion would kill 52,000 people instantly, and direct radiation would cause 44,000 cases of radiation sickness, of which 10,000 would be fatal. Radiation from fallout would kill another 200,000 people and cause several hundred thousand additional cases of radiation sickness. In the wake of such an attack, the ability to aid survivors would be very limited.
The international community urgently needs to expand its effort to secure existing stockpiles of nuclear weapons and materials, particularly in Russia, Pakistan, and India. The efforts of the al-Qaeda network to obtain nuclear weapons or weapons grade nuclear materials are particularly worrying, say the authors.
Achieving this goal must be among the most urgent of all public health priorities, they conclude.
British Medical Journal (BMJ)
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The Nuclear Express: A Political History of the Bomb and Its Proliferation
by Thomas C. Reed (Author), Danny B. Stillman (Author)
This is a political history of nuclear weapons from the discovery of fission in 1938 to the nuclear train wreck that seems to loom in our future. It is an account of where those weapons came from, how the technology surprisingly and covertly spread, who is likely to acquire those weapons next and most importantly why. The authors’ examination of post-Cold War national and geopolitical issues regarding nuclear proliferation and the effects of Chinese sponsorship of the Pakistani program is eye opening. The reckless “nuclear weapons programs for sale” exporting of technology by Pakistan is truly chilling as is the on again off...
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History of Nuclear Weapons - The Ultimate Weapons (2-DVD Set)
Directed By: A2ZCDS.com
The Ultimate Weapons DVD set from A2ZCDS is both disturbing and fascinating at the same time. Its historical significance can not be overrated – nor can the quality of these incredibly preserved vintage films from the dawn of the nuclear era. Over the course of the two DVDs you get a full picture of the development of the first nuclear weapons – that would spearhead the end of World War II – up through advanced nuclear testing in the late 1950s. If you are looking for films of nuclear bombs exploding, you will not be disappointed. You see the effects of the bomb on houses constructed at test sites, and also learn how the government planned to deal with the psychological effects of nuclear weapons. The Bikini Atoll test films are included and there is some exciting footage of...
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Power to Save the World: The Truth About Nuclear Energy (Vintage)
by Gwyneth Cravens (Author), Richard Rhodes (Introduction)
An informed look at the myths and fears surrounding nuclear energy, and a practical, politically realistic solution to global warming and our energy needs. Faced by the world's oil shortages and curious about alternative energy sources, Gwyneth Cravens skeptically sets out to find the truth about nuclear energy. Her conclusion: it is a totally viable and practical solution to global warming. In the end, we see that if we are to care for subsequent generations, embracing nuclear energy is an ethical imperative.
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Trinity & Beyond - The Atomic Bomb Movie
Starring: William Shatner, Edward Teller, Frank H. Shelton, Randall William Cook, Hubert H. Humphrey Directed By: Peter Kuran
Trinity & Beyond The Atomic Bomb Movie is the top secret, strange and visually compelling history of the design, production and testing of Atomic Hydrogen bombs. In this special 60th Anniversary Wide Screen Edition, renowned special effects filmmaker Peter Kuran (Star Wars, Star Trek II & V, Robocop) offers up amazing film footage chronicling the top secret, strange and visually compelling history of the design, production and testing of Atomic Hydrogen bombs by the United States. With the development and use of award-winning new film restoration systems, Kuran has perfectly preserved these haunting images for generations to come. Narrated by William Shatner (Boston Legal, Star Trek), Trinity & Beyond features extremely rare film segments from top secret government archives and...
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3M Performance Plus 8979N Nuclear Grade 48-Millimeter-by-54.8-Meter Duct Tape, Slate Blue
by 3M
8979N Nuclear Grade is designed for both permanent and temporary applications both indoors and outdoors. 8979 provides clean removal with little or no adhesive residue from most opaque surfaces up to 6 months after application. It offers sunlight/UV r
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Nuclear Energy in the 21st Century: World Nuclear University Press
by Ian Hore-Lacy (Author)
The onset of the 21st century has coincided with mounting scientific evidence of the severe environmental impact of global energy consumption. In response, governments and environmentalists on every continent have begun to re-evaluate the benefits of nuclear power as a clean, non-emitting energy resource. Today nuclear power plants operate in some 30 countries, and nuclear energy has become a safe and reliable source of one-sixth of the world's electricity. This base has the potential to be expanded widely as part of a worldwide clean-energy revolution.
Nuclear Energy in the 21st Century is an authoritative resource for educators, students, policy-makers and interested lay-people. This balanced and accessible text provides:
* An inroad into nuclear science for the...
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Nuclear War Card Game
by Flying Buffalo
A humorous card game with a tongue-in-cheek view of international diplomacy, propaganda, and finally: holocaust! Two to six players engage in touchy negotiations until a warmonger pushes the button! This hilarious card game is easy to learn and fast to play. But watch out: if everyone is wiped out -- nobody wins!
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Day One
Starring: Brian Dennehy, Alan Scarfe, John Pielmeier, Ken Pogue, David Strathairn Directed By: Joseph Sargent
This Emmy® winning, historically accurate drama tells the complex and moving story of the Manhattan Project. Racing against the Nazi war machine and enduring intense military and political pressure, Allied scientists wrestle with the challenge of creating the ultimate weapon. Leading the superb cast are Michael Tucker (L.A. Law) as Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard, David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck.) as mission chief J. Robert Oppenheimer, Brian Dennehy (Death of a Salesman) as General Leslie Groves, and David Ogden Stiers (MASH) as FDR. Also featuring Hal Holbrook (Mark Twain Tonight!), Hume Cronyn (12 Angry Men), and Tony Shalhoub (Monk).
Before the bomb can be perfected, Hitler's death and Germany's surrender remove one enemy from the equation. But Japan remains. Day...
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Defcon: Strategic Nuclear War
by Encore
It's the End Of the World as You Know It! Inspired by the 1983 cult hit, War Games, Defcon puts you right in the middle of the Cold War era. Your success and our ultimate survival are on the line. Can you dominate or will you crumble under the pressure and paranoia? Compete as 1 of 6 superpowers embroiled in the largest military conflict imaginable! The only game that allows players to rain nuclear death on the enemy and rack up kill counts in the 10s of MILLIONS!
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Nuclear Weapons: What You Need to Know
by Jeremy Bernstein (Author)
Nuclear Weapons is a history of nuclear weapons. From their initial theoretical development at the start of the twentieth century to the recent tests in North Korea, the author seeks to, at each point in the narrative, describe the basic science of nuclear weaponry. At the same time, he offers accounts and anecdotes of the personalities involved, many of whom he has known firsthand. Dr. Bernstein writes in response to what he sees as a widespread misunderstanding throughout the media of the basic workings and potential impact of nuclear weaponry.
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