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Long-Term Health Effects of Nuclear Tests: The Semipalatinsk Case

Author

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  • Kuralbayeva, Karlygash
  • Rienzo, Cinzia
  • Wong, Po Yin
  • Guerrero-Serdan, Gaby

Abstract

Using the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan, where about 456 nuclear tests occurred between 1949 and 1989, this paper examines the long-term health and well-being impacts of sustained radiation exposure. Results show that nuclear exposure significantly increases the risk of chronic disease and anemia, reduces subjective health, and lowers life satisfaction, with higher exposure intensities amplifying these effects. Older cohorts who, since early age, have been exposed to atmospheric testing face the greatest risks. These findings highlight the multigenerational health impacts of repeated radiation exposure, offering critical insights for public and health policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Kuralbayeva, Karlygash & Rienzo, Cinzia & Wong, Po Yin & Guerrero-Serdan, Gaby, 2025. "Long-Term Health Effects of Nuclear Tests: The Semipalatinsk Case," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1559, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:1559
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Health; life satisfaction; nuclear tests explosions; environment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • H00 - Public Economics - - General - - - General
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling

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