The International Day Against Nuclear Tests on August 29th raises awareness and educates about the harmful effects of nuclear testing.
Nuclear weapons testing began in 1945. Since that time, nearly 2,000 nuclear tests have taken place. When nuclear testing first began, scientist knew very little about its harmful effects. Through the years, increasing concern and evidence points to the devastating impact of nuclear testing. From 1951 to 1973, radioactive fallout from nuclear tests is responsible for killing up to 690,000 Americans.
It wasn’t until 1992 that the last U.S. nuclear weapons test took place. In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. A total of 183 countries signed the treaty. However, the United States has not yet ratified the convention. As of the 21st century, the only country believed to conduct nuclear testing is North Korea.
Even though the U.S. no longer conducts nuclear testing, many Americans still suffer. Even those exposed decades ago continue to suffer today. Conditions range may include cancer, acute radiation syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases.
The United Nations General Assembly declared International Day Against Nuclear Tests with the adoption of resolution 64/35 on December 2, 2009. The first observance took place on August 29, 2010. Each year, conferences, exhibits, new initiatives, and media attention focus on the day.
The Republic of Kazakhstan initiated the resolution. Kazakhstan is the home of one of the world’s largest nuclear testing sites. It closed on August 29th, 1991.
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