PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA — As the war of words between the United States and North Korea continues to escalate, Pyongyang hinted last week that it may test a hydrogen bomb in the Pacific Ocean. <br /> <br />"It could be the most powerful detonation of an H-bomb in the Pacific," Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho told reporters at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Atlantic reported. <br /> <br />If a hydrogen bomb did hit the Pacific, it would detonate with a blinding flash, while producing a massive mushroom cloud. The immediate fallout would depend on the height of detonation. <br /> <br />The initial blast would instantly kill most fish and marine life in the blast area. <br /> <br />The explosion would send radioactive particles flying through the air and into the water. Wind also has the potential to carry the particles hundreds of miles. <br /> <br />The smoke created at the strike zone could potentially block the sun, hurting organisms that utilize photosynthesis. <br /> <br />Radiation would lead to severe health problems for surrounding aquatic life. <br /> <br />Humans could also be affected if radioactive fallout reaches land. Particles could contaminate air, water and soil.
