The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74340

Robert Gould, MD, Physicians For Social Responsibility, 311 Douglass, San Francisco, CA 94114, 408-972-7299, rmgould1@yahoo.com

This presentation will provide an overview of the public and environmental health impacts of the development, production, testing , deployment and use of nuclear weapons to date, as well as a brief review of the potential threat of nuclear terrorism. A specific focus will be placed on the global threat of a new nuclear arms race posed by current U.S. government plans to develop new nuclear weapons, in the context of new U.S. strategic doctrines of "counterproliferation" and "pre-emptive war." Primary public-health based prevention alternatives to the U.S. proposals will be presented as well.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this presentation participants will:
• Describe current US plans for research, development and production of nuclear weapons;
• Recognize the impact of the US nuclear weapons policy on public health.

Keywords: Radiation, War

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.