History of French Nuclear Tests in the Pacific

For the first time in almost half a century, French scientists are confronting their government with solid scientific evidence showing that the nuclear tests conducted in the Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls have caused an increase in thyroid cancers among the populations inhabiting the neighboring islands. This four-part story retraces the history of the French nuclear testing program in the Pacific and summarizes the conclusions of several surveys regarding the radiological situation of these atolls as well as the potential health consequences on the local populations.

• PART I 1966-1974. THE ATMOSPHERIC TESTS
• PART II 1974-1992. THE UNDERGROUND TESTS
• PART III 1995-1996. CHIRAC RESUMES NUCLEAR TESTS
• PART IV THE AFTERMATH: THE RADIOLOGICAL SITUATION