Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) - Fact Sheet 320-090 - Health and Electronics Effects and Protection

Oct 12, 2026

Fact Sheet 320-090 explains how electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is created, emphasizing that nuclear detonation gamma rays ionize air molecules and generate a powerful electromagnetic field. It describes potential damage from high-altitude nuclear detonations and electromagnetic bombs, including risks to electric power systems and widespread electronic equipment such as computers, satellites, radar receivers, radios, and traffic lights. It also clarifies that EMP is not radioactive, summarizes health effects on living organisms, and outlines protective measures like metallic shielding and tailored hardening.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

WHAT IS EMP AND HOW IS IT CREATED?

IS EMP RADIOACTIVE?

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS?

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS ON ELECTRONICS AND CARS?

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PROTECT ELECTRONICS

EMP AS A WEAPON

Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) September 2003 Fact Sheet 320-090 Division of Environmental Health Office of Radiation Protection WHAT IS EMP AND HOW IS IT CREATED? The most important mechanism for Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) production from a nuclear detonation is the ionization of air molecules by gamma rays generated from the explosion. These gamma rays ionize the air molecules by interacting with the air molecules to produce positive ions and recoil electrons called Compton electrons. This pulse of energy, which produces a powerful electromagnetic field, particularly within the vicinity of the weapon burst, is called an electromagnetic pulse. EMP can also be produced from non-nuclear sources, such as electromagnetic bombs, or E-bombs. High-altitude nuclear detonations and electromagnetic bombs can generate EMP that has the potential to damage or destroy electronic devices over widespread areas. Electric power systems would also be at risk from surges produced by such weapons. However, the EMP from a kiloton-range surface nuclear explosion would not be expected to produce serious damage outside the radius of severe destruction from blast. A 1.4 Megaton bomb launched about 250 miles above Kansas would destroy most of the electronics that were not protected in the entire Continental United States. During the brief return to atmospheric testing in 1962, a 1.4 megaton nuclear weapon was detonated over Johnston Island at an altitude of about 250 miles. The effects of EMP were observed in Hawaii, 800 miles east of the detonation. Streetlights and fuses failed on Oahu and telephone service was disrupted on the Island of Kauai. | IS EMP RADIOACTIVE?
EMP is not radioactive, but a pulse of energy produced as a side effect of a nuclear detonation or electromagnetic bomb. | | --- | | WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS?
EMP has no known effect on living organisms, but can temporarily or permanently disable electrical and electronic equipment. | WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS ON ELECTRONICS AND CARS? When "detonated," an EMP weapon produces a pulse of energy that creates a powerful electromagnetic field capable of short-circuiting a wide range of electronic equipment, particularly computers, satellites, radios, radar receivers and even civilian traffic lights. Since EMP is electromagnetic energy traveling at the speed of light, all of the vulnerable electronic equipment in the detonation zone could be affected simultaneously. Society has entered the information age and is dependent on electronic systems that work with components that are very susceptible to excessive electric currents and voltages. Many of these electronic systems are controlled in some way by semiconductors. Semiconductor devices fail when they encounter an EMP because of the local heating that occurs. Failure of semi-conductive chips could destroy industrial processes, railway networks, power and phone systems, and access to water supplies. Commercial computer equipment is particularly vulnerable to EMP effects. Computers used in data processing systems, communications systems, displays, industrial control applications, including road and rail signaling, and those embedded in military equipment, such as signal processors, electronic flight controls and digital engine control systems, are all potentially vulnerable to the EMP effect. Other electronic devices and electrical equipment may also be destroyed by the EMP effect. Telecommunications equipment can be highly vulnerable and receivers of all varieties are particularly sensitive to EMP. Therefore radar and electronic warfare equipment, satellite, microwave, UHF , VHF, HF and low band communications equipment and television equipment are all potentially vulnerable to the EMP effect. Cars with electronic ignition systems/ and ignition chips are also vulnerable. Some other notable collectors of EMP include railroad tracks, large antennas, pipes, cables, wires in buildings, and metal fencing. Although m

FAQs

How is EMP created after a nuclear detonation?

Gamma rays from the explosion ionize air molecules, producing positive ions and recoil electrons. The resulting energy pulse creates a powerful electromagnetic field called an electromagnetic pulse.

Does EMP have health effects on living organisms?

EMP has no known effect on living organisms, but it can temporarily or permanently disable electrical and electronic equipment.

What can be done to protect electronics from EMP?

Protection methods include metallic shielding using continuous metal enclosures and tailored hardening, which redesigns the most vulnerable elements and circuits to better withstand higher currents.

Oct 12, 2026

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