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While no cockroach could survive an actual blast, some experts believe a cockroach could withstand the fallout. Others, however, aren't so sure. Cockroaches can absorb a lot of radiation compared to humans. Over the course of a lifetime, an average person is exposed to around 16 rems of radiation (a lethal dose is around 800 rems). Cockroaches, on the other hand, can handle a helluva lot more. This page on Integrated Pest Management from Iowa State University (there really is a major for everyone) explains cockroaches can withstand between 67,500 and 105,000 rems. For some reason, German
cockroaches are particularly resilient. Ah, but this opinion isn't shared by everyone. This article from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation argues cockroaches are only marginally better than humans at withstanding radiation. Citing the research of two German scientists, it states that cockroaches are only about "six to fifteen times tougher than we frail humans." So, there ya have it. Some say cockroaches will inherit the Earth after World War III, while others think they'll be toast. Hopefully we'll never have occasion to find out.
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