We, the scientists whose names are signed below, urge that an international agreement to stop the testing of Nuclear bombs be made now.

  Each nuclear bomb spreads an added burden of radioactive elements over every part of the world.  Each added amount of radiation causes damage to the health of human beings all over the world and causes damage to the pool of human germ plasm such as to lead to an increase in the number of seriously defective children that will be born in future generations.

  So long as these weapons are in the hands of only three powers an agreement for their control is feasible.  If testing continues, the danger of outbreak of a cataclysmic nuclear war through the reckless action of  some irresponsible national leader will be greatly increased.

  An international agreement to stop the testing of nuclear bombs now could serve as a first step toward a more general disarmament and the ultimate effective abolition of nuclear weapons, averting the possibility of a nuclear war that would be a catastrophe to all humanity.

  We have in common with our fellow men a deep concern for the welfare of all human beings.  As scientists we have knowledge of the dangers involved and therefore a special responsibility to make these dangers known.

  We deem it imperative that immediate action be taken to effect an international agreement to stop the testing of all nuclear weapons.

Originated by Dr. Linus Pauling
Signed by 11,021 scientists