Why Can Cockroaches Survive a Nuclear Bomb?

Wouter

If a nuclear bomb were to hit a city, would cockroaches survive? A small minority of cockroaches can survive the blast because they are resistant to the radiation that a nuclear device produces. Cockroaches can withstand radiation of about 5,000 to 10,000 rads depending on the type of radiation that is being emitted by the nuclear device. In addition, nuclear devices emit nuclear isotopes that are propelled into the air with the explosion. These particles can cause radiation to reach rainwater clouds and cause contamination to plants and animals in their vicinity.

Although nuclear blasts produce radiation, they also produce heat. The Hiroshima atomic bomb emitted 10,300 rads into the atmosphere, which is more than enough to kill a human. However, cockroaches can survive much higher levels of radiation than humans. They can also survive higher heat levels that would kill a human instantly.

In addition to being resistant to radiation, cockroaches have a lower cell-cycle rate than humans. Therefore, they can survive a nuclear explosion if exposed for a longer period of time. While the blast radius of a nuclear explosion is nine to eighteen miles, cockroaches outside of this radius are not so lucky. Even if they survive, they could be crushed by falling buildings or even suffer severe burns from radiation.

In the Hiroshima atomic bomb, the radiation levels in the air were so high that people within two kilometers were exposed to lethal radiation within 48 hours. Further, people in other affected areas were also at risk for exposure to radiation. Although it is not clear how the radiation affects roaches, it’s possible that some species of roaches could survive the radiation.

Continue reading:

What Cockroaches Are Black? How Often Do Cockroaches Make Their Home in Your Home? How Long Does It Take to Get Cockroaches Out of Your Home? How Contagious Are Cockroaches? What Do Cockroaches Turn Into? Can Cockroaches Survive a Nuclear Blast? Do Cockroaches Kill Spiders? Why Do Cockroaches Keep Showing Up in My Home?