HIST 4B Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Acute Radiation Syndrome, Castle Bravo
Document Summary
The health hazards associated with the production of nuclear weapons only started to become evident to the public after the castle bravo incident in 1954. The large amount of fallout and the effect of that fallout on the surrounding islands brought to attention the drastic consequence of nuclear weapons. The inhabitants of the surrounding islands were evacuated from their residences, only to return and be re-evacuated after it was discovered that their food supply had also been contaminated by the radiation. In addition, the crew on a japanese fishing boat in the expanded danger zone experienced acute radiation syndrome. Both the boat"s crew and the islanders received compensation from the american government for the effects of the fallout. Public acknowledgement of the fallout of nuclear testing lead to a negative view on nuclear weapons and the scientific research that spawned it. Rachel carson"s 1962 book silent spring played a major part in shifting public opinion towards the use of chemicals.
