carrfr a significant part of the residuat radioactivity, These particles come dolrn to earth in a matter of hours or even ninutes and create an intensely railicactive contamination field in the dovnwind vicinity of ground-zero. After a t0 to 20 kt. ground burst this so-cal]ed i.n:aediate fa]-lout gives rise to acutely lethal radiation doses for unprotected people over a.n axea of 50-100 knz. As a result "the possibility of late ?adistion inJr.ries in this area is also much ]'arger than in the case of an air burst. 160. The specific nuclear-weapon characteristics j.n the over-8^11 range of effects against hrman beings, aside from the high incid.ence of thermaf burns, are these acute and late radiation inJuries. At high alose ].evels, the racliation will render the victim unconscious after a fev minutes and cause death vithin a couple of days, d.uring which the victin may or may not have regaj.ned congciousness. For lor,rer but stil1 1etha1 doses, the onset of ill effects will- be slover and less alramatic, and d.eath may not conre until- afte" s everal weeks. Acute radiation sickness caused. by non-lethaf doses could trail off with a state of general weakness protracted over montbs and years. ]61. Those surviving an acute radiation inJury wil] stand a lsrger rish than do others of disease witb certain fonns of car.cer. This risk is considered proportional- to the dose received. The disease eould remain I'atent for decades before becoming nanifest, Even if the rad.iation exposure was not large enough to cause a state of acute sickness, there might follov an increaserl risk of late cancer. The same is believed to hold true for genetic or hereditary effects brouglrt about by the irradiation of the reproductive organs. In both these instances, however, there are differences of opinion anong scientists as to the muerical estimates of the risk.
**Analysis**
The text discusses the effects of nuclear radiation on human beings, including acute and late radiation injuries, and the potential risks of disease and cancer. The focus is on the biological and health impacts of radiation exposure, rather than any economic, environmental, or technological aspects.

**Category**
Health