Over 500 atmospheric nuclear weapons tests were conducted at various sites around the world from 1945 to 1980 . Radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons testing was first drawn to public attention in 1954 when the Castle Bravo hydrogen bomb test at the Pacific Proving Grounds contaminated the crew and catch of the Japanese fishing boat '' Lucky Dragon '' . One of the fishermen died in Japan seven months later , and the fear of contaminated tuna led to a temporary boycotting of the popular staple in Japan . The incident caused widespread concern around the world , especially regarding the effects of nuclear fallout and atmospheric nuclear testing , and " provided a decisive impetus for the emergence of the anti-nuclear weapons movement in many countries "
Castle Bravo
Castle Bravo
Nuclear ethics