Psychological Impact of Nuclear Disasters in Children and Adolescents.
Although much has been written about the psychological impact of natural disasters, the impact of nuclear disasters has not been extensively studied in children. Nuclear disasters are unique because they are man-made and represent a failure of the safety systems put in place to contain dangerous radioactive materials. This article summarizes the available literature on 3 of the biggest nuclear disasters in history. There is a need for further investigation not only of the impact on children but also of whether the consequences are a direct result of the disaster, radiation exposure, or the psychosocial disruptions resulting from the disaster.
Children's National Health System, George Washington University School of Medicine, 111 North Michigan Avenue, P1 W, Washington, DC 20010, USA. Electronic address: flatif@childrensnational.org.
Finza
F
Latif
Children's National Health System, George Washington University School of Medicine, 111 North Michigan Avenue, P1 W, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Jessica
J
Yeatermeyer
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
Zachary D
ZD
Horne
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
Sushil
S
Beriwal
D000293:Adolescent; D000067697:Adolescent Health; D002648:Child; D000067576:Child Health; D004190:Disasters; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D000069079:Radiation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release
Children; Nuclear disasters; Psychological impact; Radiation exposure; Safety systems