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Who Would Survive a Nuclear Apocalypse?

SciShow, May 17, 2025

Who Would Survive a Nuclear Apocalypse?

A nuclear blast releases radiation in the form of alpha, beta, and gamma particles, each posing different threats. Gamma radiation is the most dangerous, and certain people are more vulnerable to its effects than others.

Factors influencing survival:

  • Biological Sex: Biological males generally fare better than biological females due to hormonal and physiological differences.
  • Age: People in their 20s and 30s are the least sensitive to radiation, while children and older adults are more vulnerable.
  • Genetics: Genetic conditions affecting DNA repair mechanisms, like ataxia telangiectasia (A-T), drastically reduce survival rates.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Heart disease and diabetes increase vulnerability to radiation due to heightened inflammation.
  • Lifestyle Choices: Smoking significantly increases the risk of radiation-induced lung cancer.

So, the person most likely to survive a nuclear apocalypse is a non-smoking man in his 20s or 30s, without genetic disorders or pre-existing health conditions. But even for them, survival would be far from pleasant.