Lessons of Hiroshima and Chernobyl
The end of the Cold War may have eased the threat of atomic holocaust, but it didn't squelch the controversy about the health effects of ionizing radiation. Some scientists say there's no safe level, others vehemently disagree. Billions of dollars, and thousands of lives, hang in the balance. What do we know about the health effects of low doses of ionizing radiation?

About one hour after the bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945. © U.S. Army.

51 years later, the study of radiation exposure in Japan continues.

The explosion and fire at Chernobyl caused a colossal radiation release. Any lessons there?

A small dose of radiation couldn't hurt you, could it?

Maybe it's actually healthy. Excuse me???

Here's information on measuring this invisible energy.

Meet The Why Files team, and our experts for this issue.

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