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Title: Long-Run Effect of Radiation Exposure on Mortality: Evidence from Nuclear Weapon Tests in the U.S.

Citation Type: Miscellaneous

Publication Year: 2024

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Abstract: This study examines the long-run effects of radiation exposure from U.S. at- mospheric nuclear weapon tests on mortality. Using individual-level vital records and a differences-in-differences approach, I analyze county-level radiation fallout data from tests conducted at the Nevada Test Site between 1951 and 1962 to assess the impact on mortality in the continental U.S. I find significant negative effects of radiation exposure on longevity with heterogeneous impacts by age and gender. Those exposed before age 15 experience an average 16-month reduction in lifespan, while exposure after age 60 results in a 30-month reduction. The effects are larger for aged females compared to aged males. Prenatal radiation exposure, especially pre-conception, also has significant negative effects on mortality - a 1% increase in ground-level radiation fallout in the 10-12 months before birth reduces the likeli- hood of surviving to ages 1, 3, and 50 by 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5%, respectively. In contrast, radiation exposure during other prenatal months does not have signifi- cant effects on future mortality. These findings have important implications for understanding the long-term public health consequences of nuclear events and can inform policies related to nuclear energy adoption and the importance of avoiding nuclear war.

Url: https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/7687/33501323

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Authors: Han, Yuqing

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Data Collections: IPUMS USA - Ancestry Full Count Data

Topics: Crime and Deviance, Fertility and Mortality

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