Nuked: Echoes of the Hiroshima Bomb in St. Louis

Nuked explores the long-term effects of radiological exposure in St. Louis, Missouri, due to the Manhattan Project during World War II. Government officials deposited radioactive waste on open land, contaminating the northern suburbs of the city. The public health crisis continues today, with cleanup operations expected to last until 2238. The crisis was attributed to minimal concern for land pollution, cutting corners, new homebuilding practices, insufficient reporting mechanisms for cancer, and a fragmented government that failed to respond to regional problems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2022
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

Nuked delves into the profound and enduring consequences of radiological exposure in St. Louis, Missouri, a city that played a pivotal role in the development of nuclear technology during World War II. As part of the top-secret Manhattan Project, the city's refining processes generated vast quantities of radioactive waste, which escalated as more nuclear weapons were produced and stockpiled for the Cold War. Regrettably, government officials chose to dispose of this waste on open land adjacent to the municipal airport, without considering the potential risks to the surrounding community.

Unbeknownst to the residents, an adjacent creek carried radionuclides downstream, contaminating the northern suburbs of St. Louis with radioactive substances. Despite official assurances of safety, the people remained unaware of the dangers lurking beneath their noses. The consequences of this negligence became painfully evident over time, leading to a public health crisis that persists to this day. Cleanup operations, which are expected to span several decades, are currently underway to address the long-term impacts of this contamination.

The crisis in St. Louis can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of concern for land pollution, shortcuts taken in the name of winning the war, practices that spread radioactive dirt during new homebuilding, inadequate reporting mechanisms for cancer, and a fragmented government that failed to address regional problems effectively. These factors contributed to a situation where the well-being of the community was put at risk, and the long-term effects of radiological exposure continue to be felt today.

Nuked serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of human actions and the urgent need for responsible management of nuclear waste and radiation. It underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental and public health challenges, particularly in the context of nuclear technology.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820363172