http://www.epa.gov/radiation/rert/nuclearblast.html#exposure

I remember as a kid the news would be full of someone or another setting off an above-ground nuclear blast.  The announcer would explain that the prevailing winds were in some direction or another, and predict how the strontium-90 levels in cows milk would be affected, or how much I-131 would be in the air.  It was treated quite matter-of-factly.

The more detailed broadcasts would have some Public Health expert talking about how may cases of thyroid cancer or bone cancer this test would mean, something in the thousands.  Sort of like dropping the bomb on a remote village.  None of us thought it would be us, and very few cared.  ”National security”, the cover for all sins of government, was the reason we were all being threatened.

Later on the US gave up above-ground stuff, and then when the Soviets exploded something they were demonized as uncaring bastards willing to kill thousands of innocent people on their way to controlling the Universe.   They were willing to do anything at all.  The only thing they didn’t have was Pinky and The Brain.  The original rat bastards!

Well, we don’t have to worry about that any more.  Thank God.  Slowly, surely, common sense prevailed.  So matters can change.