Health effects of Iranian nuclear strike on Israel: Some key insights

• Published date: 12 April 2024
• Author: DR. ITAY GAL
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

However, the primary threat from Iran stems from its anticipated nuclear capability. According to reports, this capability could be finalized within months. Israel's allies have pledged protection, and the Israeli Home Front Command has not altered its guidelines. Still, the nuclear threat persists as a major concern regarding Iran

An IDF spokesperson noted on Thursday that Israel is equipped with multiple defense layers against the Iranian threat, and although Iran is not expected to target civilian sites, the possibility of a nuclear attack is not far off.

What happens to the body after a nuclear attack?

When exposed to nuclear radiation, human body cells suffer damage to their genetic material, DNA. This damage can occur either directly, through the breaking of the DNA, or indirectly, through the creation of toxic free radicals that cause oxidative damage to the DNA. If the damage is limited to one of the two DNA strands, the cell can potentially repair itself. However, if both strands are damaged, the injury is severe, disrupting cell division, leading to the creation of defective cells, or causing the cell to self-destruct.

Radiation exposure can also trigger another process known as apoptosis, or programmed cell death. In this process, the cell "commits suicide" because the radiation triggers signals that accelerate DNA breakage, leading to the cell's rapid death.

The harmful effects of radiation exposure become evident when the level exceeds 1 Gray unit (GY). Lethal radiation occurs at levels above 10 Gy. Radiation exposure causes general bodily harm and specific damage to exposed skin, manifesting as blisters, redness, and skin ulcers. At lower radiation levels, these skin issues may appear within 12 to 20 days post-exposure, while at higher levels, skin damage and burns can occur within a few days. Over months to years following exposure, complications can arise in the small blood vessels due to damage to the vascular cells.

Initial symptoms include fatigue, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Radioactive radiation also prompts a range of general symptoms. Initially, the affected individual may experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. At radiation levels above 10 Gy, symptoms can manifest within five to fifteen minutes. At lower levels of 2 to 3 Gy, symptoms might not appear until 12 hours after exposure. The severity of symptoms is indicative of the victim's recovery prospects. Numerous and...