The high intensity of light is strong enough to cause skin burns.

A 10 kiloton blast can cause first degree burns 2 miles (3.2 km) away on a clear day. First degree burns are equivalent to a bad sunburn.

The same blast can cause second degree burns 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away. Second degree burns over 30 percent of the body will result in serious shock and death without medical attention. Blisters from second degree burns will become infected if untreated.

The same blast can cause third degree burns about 1.0 miles (1.6 km) away. Third degree burns destroy skin tissue, to the extent that such burns over 24 percent of the body will cause serious shock and death without specialized medical care.