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.

"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.

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.

The initial blast would instantly kill most fish and marine life in the blast area.

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.

The smoke created at the strike zone could potentially block the sun, hurting organisms that utilize photosynthesis.

Radiation would lead to severe health problems for surrounding aquatic life.

Humans could also be affected if radioactive fallout reaches land. Particles could contaminate air, water and soil.