1. Radiation in Kazakhstan

2. Facts about Kazakhstan
First and largest space launch site: Baikonur
Holiday: The new year is Nauruz on March 22, the spring equinox
Crops: Apples were first cultivated there
First civalization: Scythian people

3. Background 1920-1991: Kazakhstan was part of the Soviet Union
Used land near Semey for nuclear testing
The land is on the Kazakh Steppe
People there are farmers and herders

4. Nuclear Explosions Tests from 1949-1989 456 nuclear tests occurred
116 atmospheric tests
340 underground tests
Closed August 29,1991 after an anti-nuclear protests
Second largest nuclear complex in the world
First thermonuclear bomb and hydrogen bomb developed there

5. People living there 200,000 people lived in that area during
People were studied to see dangers of radiation
Doctors did find health problems but did not blame them on the radiation
Until 1991, the problems were kept secret

6. Effects on the Land Test site is 19,000km2 Area affected is 30,400km2
Soil, air and water are highly contaminated
Now, people are told
it is safe to live and
farm there
"Atomic lake" formed by an explosion

7. Effects on the People One in 20 children are born with birth defects
Those with deformities are sent to orphanages to die
Half of the population is dead by 60
Many people suffer from types of cancer

8. Solutions
Proper tests should be done to determine the severity of the situation
The land must be evacuated
Government should provide healthcare to those with radiation caused diseases