[judicial meanz]

The blast effect of a nuclear explosion is first visible as a flash that can cause blindness because of the light intensity. The cause of the damage is retinal injury. The second effect is the blast and concussion wave.

I was taught in the service that even closing your eyes would not help you, you needed to shield your eyes.

The old "duck and cover" drills ( remember them, folks) stressed to cover your eyes with your arm and duck to the ground, under a heavy object.

Retinal damage can extend to a point approximately 50 past the ground zero damage area. Simply put, if the ground zero area is 3 miles, expect retinal damage out to 6-7 miles.


Bad news: in an unexpected event, there is no time to prepare, because the flash is the first event. The bang is second.

(NOTE: I hate being the voice of doom so often in the radiation effects area)

[jerseygirl]

Are there any attacks other than nuclear/fire which could be observed via satellite?

[Revel]

"Retinal damage can extend to a point approximately 50 past the ground zero damage area. Simply put, if the ground zero area is 3 miles, expect retinal damage out to 6-7 miles."


Should I ware my sun glasses at night ?

[Domestic Church]

I think my psych was trying to forget that...I keep thinking about longterm effects like cataracts (which I am developing already.)

[MamaDearest]

In outlying areas, say 50-150 miles away, would radiation fallout permeate canned foods? I don't know what made me think of that, but now I am curious. I guess I need to read more about Chernobyl.