- Immediate destruction: The bombings instantly killed hundreds of thousands of people in both cities. Ground Zero areas recorded temperatures exceeding 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Radiation sickness: Many survivors died in subsequent weeks and months from the effects of radiation sickness, characterized by symptoms like burns, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding.
- Increased cancer risk: Survivors also faced a higher risk of developing various cancers, including leukemia and thyroid cancer, throughout their lives.
- Birth defects: Children born to survivors (known as hibakusha) exhibited higher rates of birth defects and health issues.
- Long-term health effects: Survivors experienced numerous long-term health problems, including psychological trauma, cardiovascular diseases, and impaired immune systems.
- Environmental contamination: Radioactive fallout contaminated soil, water, and vegetation in the affected areas, impacting the ecosystem and human health.
- Societal impact: The bombings had profound societal consequences, including discrimination against survivors, known as hibakusha, and a lingering stigma associated with exposure to radiation.